If we are to accept that the world economy is now fully dependent upon the information economy, then it stands to reason that those people who are left out of the global information network are doomed an endless cycle of poverty. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab has designed a fully functional laptop computer that can be sold for $100 so that children in poor or developing nations can get access to the Internet. To keep costs down, the laptop will use a $35 dual-mode display of the kind found in cheap DVD players, a 500-megahertz processor, a slimmed-down operating system, and only 1 gigabyte of storage. It can be plugged into a wall outlet or charged by a crank-driven battery, and it will connect to the Internet via a wireless card.
I think that's a wonderful idea to create lap tops for those who cannot afford them. I also agree that it creates a never ending cycle of poverty if you do not have technological skills. I wonder how many genius children are crouching in muddy alley somewhere who could be our future leaders if given the opportunity. I think this could really alter the lives of many people.
ReplyDeleteIf the initial design reduces the price to $100 there’s probably opportunity for lower pricing if manufactured by the millions. This technology is significant because it can make quality education available in poor and developing countries and level the playing field in a sense. Access to online textbooks would save additional billions of dollars world-wide over a generation’s educational career.
ReplyDeleteWow! This is like magic. The ways this could promote ideas and information to places previously ignorant and lacking. Regardless of location and poverty, everyone deserves to learn and be connected. The internet is such an outstanding network and i think that by educating people and providing them opportunities this could solve things like poverty and give people once thought hopeless a beginning to bringing the most positive changes in their lives.
ReplyDelete