The One Laptop Per Child program — the program that aims to put cheap but functional notebook computers in the hands of children in impoverished countries — has been shipping the distinctively green XO laptop since the end of 2007, but the people behind it are already looking to the future. Program founder Nicholas Negroponte revealed yesterday the next-generation XO-2, and it looks pretty rockin'.
Incorporating dual touchscreens in kind of an e-book form factor, the XO-2 is half the size of the original. The displays are bright enough to be usable in sunlight and can toggle between vertical, horizontal and tablet displays easily (video demoing this after the jump). Power consumption is a mere 1 watt, and Negroponte hopes the final cost will be around $75 — which sounds like wishful thinking considering the XO doesn't even cost that little.
In any case, the XO-2 probably won't be ready until 2010. But when it does become a reality, kids in developing nations will finally be able to act like their Western counterparts in one crucial way — making fun of other kids for not having the latest gadget.
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By astralith at 11:54 AM ON 05/21/08
What about poor youths in the USA? Can't they get a free computer even in their schools?
By Al at 1:32 PM ON 05/21/08
As anyone knows, the U.S. is only called upon to give out to the rest of the world. As soon as we try to do anything to help our own children or education system we're out of luck.
By kevinpublic at 2:08 PM ON 05/21/08
That's the montra against the US (or anyone IN the US who has anything)... "How dare you have while other have not!"
By IsoTek at 3:29 PM ON 05/21/08
Kevinpublic: Mantra ;)
This still has not impressed me. A more futuristic techno-trinket when books and teachers could serve children in impoverished nations better.
By borddog2142 at 4:20 PM ON 05/21/08
Sweet, but how are they going to be 75$, when I have not even seen any type like this even for any amount in the US? Also , don't they need more important things like food, books? Also, if somebody wants to buy it here are they going to have to shell out double the money so that a kid in the "third world" can have one, like with the first version? Forced philanthropy is bull.
By Shell at 4:29 PM ON 05/21/08
I have nothing against computers for third world countries. But there are also children in the United States who don't have access to the Internet, because their parents are to poor to afford even Internet access. Don't these children have a right to technology also.
By steelew at 7:07 PM ON 05/21/08
If they can charge that little for it in the poor countries, it stands to reason that they could and should do it here too. Mass production equals lower per unit prices right?
By Afterburner909 at 3:29 AM ON 05/22/08
As far as the forced philanthopy comment goes,no matter what is handed out,it's accepted with a smile on the face and a curse under the breath. If we hand out something,how about more medical care,condoms and food? How long until kids sell these things when their parents are dying of some disease or starving? This is a nice idea,but assuming that many 3rd world counties will be stable enough to make good use of them by 2010 is wishful thinking.