The second generation of the $100 laptop emerges—but can it buck the problems which plagued its predecessor?
Posted 05.22.2008 at 9:16 am
9 Comments
The XO-2 A touchscreen replaces the keyboard.
OLPC
The XO laptop is back with a new look and a new design, at least in theory. Nicholas Negroponte unveiled photos of the upcoming XO-2 device this week, with an announcement that the revamped computer would be ready for delivery by 2010 and carry a price tag of $75. Gone is the green plastic keyboard, replaced instead with a second touch screen. The device can be opened to function like an electronic book, or it can be rotated to a more traditional laptop configuration, with the new screen assuming the role of virtual keyboard. This flexibility is meant to encourage collaborative learning and play, so that more than one child can use the computer at a time.
The XO-2 will be designed to consume less power and be half the size of the original XO. In addition to its open source Linux-based OS, the machines will carry a dual boot option for loading Windows.
The OLPC group argues the falling price of flat panel screens will make the costs achievable. And, in addition to the new model, Negroponte announced the return of the Give 1, Get 1 program in which U.S. customers will be able to buy a laptop for a child in the developing world at the same time as they buy their own. But skeptics are already questioning the viability of the ambitious design and price point, given the XO's history of struggling to meet its goals so far to date.
Via BBC
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What is the battery life of a laptop like this one?
I was about to ask a very similar question. Wouldn't adding the second screen decrease the battery life of the device? They do say its half the size though...
Does nobody else's mind wander to the other possibilities that this kind of hardware would open up? An e-book reader 5 times cheaper than the Kindle? A Nintendo DS on steroids?
I will be amazed if they pull through on the pricing this time! If they do, and deliver on the features, I will buy at least one!
I will definitely make multiple purchases for Christmas on the buy 1 get 1 program. I decided not to guy last time and ever since have been thinking i wish i had bought that; am so glad the program is coming back, I have lots of nieces and nephews that i would buy for and at the same time for a kid somewhere out there. That is an awesome idea.
from Oxenford, QLD
I don't think battery life will be that much of an issue. They'll probably be deployed with a winder to charge it.
this is certainly a very neat idea, and may indeed be cost effective, but the keyboard touch screen would need to be a multi-touch in order to be effective. also, how in the world is this going to be durable enough for the harsh environments that the children overseas are living in. it would be hard to keep something like this from breaking.
cool so where can i get one
Scotty Boy
Would you buy a laptop that did not have a "real" keyboard???
taptap
I hope I can get some by Christmas 09. I cant wait to hear about all the improvements.