Engineering News

This is going to die. The $100 laptop (or 2 for $200) was a concept that got people excited. With a homemade OS and software what is not confirmed compatible with anything current, I'd have to pass at $400. Is the software package even educational?

Also, how is a computer going to help educate these people in 3rd world under developed countries? If you visit one you'd understand. Does it include microfiche on part specs for their tractors? Think of the USA in the 19th century, how would a computer help? They need to be educated on farming and basic construction. They also need to learn to read and be given access to "books" (something currently currently unavailable in many regions.)

This is just a lowball skeme for Quanta to get rich quick and look like a hero doing it.

I agree with your assessment of this. It is a noble attempt, if it a sincere attempt to help (which I doubt).

Without knowing what to country(ies) the laptops are going it is hard to say if they are even useable as many under-developed areas do not even have electricity to charge the batteries.

They are going to many regions without power. That is why they come equipped with a hand crank for charging. They were built to withstand high shock and are water resistant. I hope the batteries can handle this type of use or else these computers will wind up in a landfill fast.

Also, if nobody is in place to enforce that there is no underground market for these things, those poor school kids will become targets for thieves.

All in all, a bad bad idea. $200 in paper goods, books, teacher pay, and school reconstruction would go a lot farther. It's tough for "us" to think outside of our everyday lives. Not everyone on Earth has the same requirements. A PC is like an SUV, it's an unnecessary luxury for some, though a required utility for others.

I'm willing to bet some of these poor kids will trade in their computer for dinner to feed their family.

Yes you are correct on all points.

Books, paper, pencils, crayons etc etc it seems would be of a far more tremendous help. Teachers would be a good thing also. A PC is like an SUV in some parts of the world is a good way of stating it.