Pedal Powered Laptops in Afghanistan

[Christa]

While there are solar powered laptops that will allow a computer to be powered without an energy source, not everyone may be able to afford them. There was always the hope that there would be an affordable way for people in poorer and very remote areas to be able to benefit from the uses of a computer and there finally is because of the pedal powered laptop in Afghanistan. Pedal power laptop is a pedal powered machine that uses nothing but pedal power to operate the laptop. The system is set up so that just about anyone with two legs would be able to power the laptop and they claim that even a third grader can step up to the pedal power laptop computer and get to work with no problems.

The computer model itself is called the XO and uses a hand crank to power the system. The pedal powered laptop needs no additional power sources at all and it easily transported through the countryside and rural areas where people may not have access to a computer or the power sources to run one traditionally. While this is only a prototype, they seem to be having some initial success and may expand the program even further if testing shows more positive results.

The pedal power laptop is meant to allow children in schools to be able to have computer access. The prototype is actually hooked up so that the hand crank generator is underneath the desk for the children to use while they are seated at their desk. In addition, they are using software that would enable the students to basically be on a common server.

http://www.alternative-energy-news.info/pedal-powered-laptops-afghanistan/

[Orrex]

1. Seems like it would be a pain to lug that pedal-desk around, though

Seriously though, I love this idea! A very clever union of old and new technology!

[comtec]

2. well all you would actually be lugging around is the hand cran

and the mounting equipment for a desk.
that can easily fit in a bag.

i've been saying this for the XO for years!

I have my lil green book and im happy with it!

[Orrex]

3. Mostly I was kidding.

A truly terrific idea. The eco-friendliness of it is nice in its own right, but how can you beat the promise of technological accessibility delivered to people in remote areas!

[comtec]

4. =]

completely agree.
lets hope something longer-spread and positive comes from this... afterall the OLPC spawned the netbook =]