I don't know if anyone is aware of it. But there is a non-profit organization, that is designing a laptop for the 3rd world. It is a small laptop with waterproofed and rugged casing, a 443Mhz AMD CPU with an intergrated GPU, 1024Mb of storage space, 2 USB ports and expandable via SD card. It also has intergrated wireless internet features, that will relay the signal from one Mesh user to another. So each acts as a relay transmitter. It has standard audio ports with a built in webcam. It also has the option of being powered by either foot peddle or solar panels.
Sure the laptop may not exactly be high spec, but no one can deny they are as feature packed as the most expensive cameras, as the majority of PDA's, with the added advantage of a decent keyboard and size of screen, yet certainly being light and portable enough to shove in your backpack while travelling on holiday, or even camping out just camping out. The alternative power supplies in these situations are ideal.
Now the problem I see with this, is that many who have herd about these laptops think it's a really good idea. The potential of getting so much for $130 (about £70) is certainly attractive. Frankly I'd be willing to pay up to $200 myself as it looks like a very useful device when away from home. While not everyone will see the point, there's definately been expressed interest by the general public to buy these things.
The reason I think these should be sold to us as well, is that these laptops are designed to go to 3rd world contries. Where often warlords, and organised crime gangs, operate. It's not going to be long before a goverement gives these machines out to kids, and the next day adults and gangs will be knocking on your door demanding the laptop. 30 mins later there will be 10,000's of the damn things on ebay. All because the charity didn't take into account western and easten interest in buying the technology.
Sure they may not sell that many, but merely having the option open for us to legally purchase these machines, without the risk of it having been stollen in the first place. Would I feel reduce the usefulness of stealing the things and flogging them. It would certainly reduce the market from total, to a minority part, and would reduce the price that they could be sold for in the first place.
It's a great scheme I think, but I don't think it's taken into account all the cons that might arrise from this.
UTUBE Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfV7hZGyGlk
