OLPC XO
The XO-1, previously known as the $100 Laptop or Children’s Machine, is an inexpensive laptop computer intended to be distributed to children in developing countries around the world, to provide them with access to knowledge, and opportunities to “explore, experiment and express themselves” (constructionist learning). The laptop is developed by the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) social welfare organization, and manufactured by the Taiwanese computer company, Quanta Computer.
The laptops can be sold to governments and issued to children by schools on a basis of one laptop per child. Pricing is currently set to start at US$188 and the goal is to reach the $100 mark in 2008. Approximately 500 developer boards (Alpha-1) were distributed in mid-2006; 875 working prototypes (Beta 1) were delivered in late 2006; 2400 Beta-2 machines were distributed at the end of February 2007; full-scale production started November 6, 2007. Quanta Computer, the project’s contract manufacturer, said in February 2007 that it had confirmed orders for one million units. They indicated they could ship 5 million to 10 million units this year because seven nations have committed to buy the XO-1 for their schoolchildren: Argentina, Brazil, Libya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Thailand, and Uruguay. Quanta plans to offer machines very similar to the XO machine on the open market.
[360 degree view of the OLPC XO]
The rugged, low-power computers contain flash memory instead of a hard drive and use Linux as their operating system. Mobile ad-hoc networking is used to allow many machines to share Internet access from one connection.
The OLPC project had stated that a consumer version of the XO laptop is not planned. However, the project has established the laptopgiving.org website for outright donations and for a “Give 1 Get 1″ offer valid (but only to the United States, its territories, and Canadian addresses) from November 12, 2007 until December 31, 2007. It has been rumored that they are planning to put a modified version of Windows XP into their newer laptops.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Quanta Computer
- Connectivity: 802.11b/g /s wireless LAN
- 3 USB 2.0 ports
- MMC/SD card slot
- Media: 1 GB flash memory
- Operating system: Linux (with Microsoft version planned)
- Built-in still/video camera (640×480; 30 FPS)
- Power: NiMH or LiFePO4 battery removable pack
- CPU: AMD Geode LX700@0.8 W + 5536
- Memory: 256 MB DRAM
- Display: dual-mode 19.1 cm/7.5″ diagonal TFT LCD 1200×900
- Dimensions: 242 mm × 228 mm × 32 mm
- Weight: LiFeP battery: 3.2 pounds; NiMH battery: 3.5 pounds
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