Post by: Guest on October 01, 2005, 09:33:33 AM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4292854.stm
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Virtually indestructible
The laptops will be encased in rubber to make them more durable, and their AC adaptors will also act as carrying straps.
The Linux-based machines are expected to have a 500MHz processor, with flash memory instead of a hard drive which has more delicate moving parts.
The laptops will be encased in rubber to make them more durable, and their AC adaptors will also act as carrying straps.
The Linux-based machines are expected to have a 500MHz processor, with flash memory instead of a hard drive which has more delicate moving parts.
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They will have four USB ports, and will be able to connect to the net through wi-fi - wireless net technology - and will be able to share data easily.
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Power is a big issue for developing nations in particular when it comes to technology, which is why the hand crank will be fitted to supply extra juice when it is needed.
---I recall reading about The Simputer, very simple Linux based system.
IIRC Apple had something along these once upon a time as well.
I have Doctor Friend, actually a classmate lat semester - that uses a ugly , old, indestructible rubber cased Win 98 for all her Doctoring ...files and such for the various patients, and work b/t two hosptials.
I am hoping the idea is a good one and actually does well. I would be interested in seeing and having one of these. I could toss it in my backpack and not be as concerned as I am now with my ThinkPad.
I like the price point too!!
Post by: Justin on October 01, 2005, 09:39:58 AM
Post by: Guest on October 01, 2005, 10:01:19 AM
Yeah the hand cranked is interesting. I have been toying with LLBeans hand crank Radio in the event of emergencies. Word is - it works. One can save the batteries, or if in the event the batteries play out, still one has the radio.
I can see having a hand cranked power source being real useful, in just being able to shut down properly when DC is going down.
Have a back-up plan, another back- up plan....
I have some folks into Ham Radio, they carry these portable solar panel rechargers. These work well.
Still the idea of a simple, rugged, affordable laptop makes a lot of sense. I know these are for underdeveloped places and people. I want one. And if It does break...just get another one.
The security of WiFi is my only concern.
Post by: ...has left the building. on October 01, 2005, 11:32:15 AM
Post by: Guest on October 01, 2005, 11:58:43 AM
Post by: SpookyPistolero on October 01, 2005, 01:15:24 PM
Post by: lee n. field on October 01, 2005, 01:51:50 PM
One big plus for this unit (assuming it's ever made) would be locking it down easily, so Johnny won't be installing Limewire and downloading porn, or chitchatting with his little buddies with AIM. Nose to the grindstone, boy!
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I would buy one to use as my fourth computer.
Depending on exactly what you can do with this, this might make a good second unit for me. Don't forget, with USB you can hang an external hard disk on it.
Post by: Guest on October 01, 2005, 02:14:16 PM
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I'd be in love if it does all that at that price. Fits right into the Ramen budget.
Yeah - would allow one some fine cusine once in a while...Burger King, Wendy's, maybe even a high dollar meal Like Pop-Eyes. 
If the folks in brown truck drop kicks it to your door...so what?
The USB does allow for a LOT of options!
Post by: Silver Bullet on October 01, 2005, 03:28:56 PM
Back on topic: I hope those USB ports are version 2.0.
Post by: jefnvk on October 01, 2005, 10:08:51 PM
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Apple had something like this, about 10 years ago. The Apple eMate was a Newton PDA in a clamshell laptop case, with a keyboard. It cost ~$800 in 1997
Anything that caosts $800 is not like something that costs $100.Unfortunately, it looks like that is the bulk price. Doubt I'll be able to go buy one for that. Once you start talking much more than that, I can get a used one that does much more.
Post by: K Frame on October 02, 2005, 05:42:18 AM
It's called an Etch-A-Sketch...
Post by: Sindawe on October 03, 2005, 05:39:26 AM
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Professor Negroponte came up with the idea for a cheap computer for all after visiting a Cambodian village.
His non-profit One Laptop Per Child group plans to have up to 15 million machines in production within a year.
A note to all the developing nations. Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated. His non-profit One Laptop Per Child group plans to have up to 15 million machines in production within a year.
Now if we in the west can really mass produce these things and drop them in "enemy nations" like we did with the Liberator Pistols in WWII, we may be on to something.
Post by: Perd Hapley on October 03, 2005, 08:21:06 AM
Post by: Sindawe on October 03, 2005, 10:02:31 AM
Post by: Perd Hapley on October 03, 2005, 02:50:59 PM
Why is everybody so serious today?
Post by: Sindawe on October 03, 2005, 06:55:10 PM
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Why is everybody so serious today?
New jeans that are not broke in yet? Being called an "Old Man" for the first time in my life by a snot nosed kid on a skateboard playing loud, annoying music. (OK, so it was "Blizzard of Oz" by Ozzy Osborne, but if its outside in a parked car, and I can hear it inside, with the windows closed AND the AC running, its too loud). Finding out that one's trusty stead of 15 years has a burned valve and 0 compression on cylinder #2 of 4? Phase of the moon?