The $100 Laptop Paradox
The $100 laptop is a grand idea – but maybe too grand. In my previous article, I praised the initiative, but after reassessing it on the eve of its launch, I think it’s time to determine its utilitarian value. Utilitarian value is determined by an items use or function in terms of its use for humans, such as for medicine or food.
I call the $100 laptop a paradox – a contradiction unto itself for a few reasons:
- Somehow laptop + hut + no electricity just seems like a very strange combination
- $100 can help a lot more people if used for something else
- Will villagers use this gadget for learning, or as a light bulb in their homes?
The $100 laptop is a warm fuzzy idea concocted by someone in far away place, totally disconnected from what really goes on in third world countries.
The laptop has a built-in hand crank for charging the batteries in places without electrical mains.
I know about the built-in hand crank. My point was that the lap top might be used for something other than learning
You do know that not ALL the people who live in the third world live in huts and are starving to death, right? In a HUGE number of cases, the biggest problem facing people is the lack of skills and education. For those people, the OLPC is a godsend.
How can one think of skills before health and food are covered? I’m not being a pessimist, but just being practical. Who is going to teach people how to use these computers? Most importantly, who is going to support them when they break down, or get viruses and spyware? Is phone support included in this package… or will someone have to drive out to provide technical support? You have to realize that there are a lot of facets to this initiative that might be ill covered.
the fact that this laptop does not run windows and does not need electricity means that even if it IS used for a light it has a use and a good one. I think there are a lot of people in america who want a crank laptop that runs linux for 100 bucks but when will that happen. this is a very important project not just for these children but for the thousands of americans who need the same. heck I would like a crank laptop.politics is politics, good technology for the people is just that.if it works there it can work here. maby thats why some do not like it.
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