New OLPC deets: 500 MHz, 128MB RAM, Windows CE and no hand crank

Given that a number of companies have been boasting of their computing plans for the developing world in recent weeks, it's kind of a relief to see Nicholas Negroponte back in the spotlight talking up the One Laptop Per Child project. Especially when he's willing to be so free with the box's specs. Speaking at the LinuxWorld conference in Boston, Negroponte shed some light on his plans for the OLPC, including more concrete specs than we've seen before. The mini-laptop will be powered by a 500 MHz AMD processor, will have 128MB RAM and 512MB of flash memory for storage. It'll also include an LCD display that will switch from an 1180x830 black-and-white mode for daylight viewing to 640x480 color for indoor use. He also revealed that, despite Bill Gates' reservations about the OLPC project, Negroponte is working with Microsoft on a version of Windows CE that will work on the computer. Negroponte also said the laptops will be extremely stingy when it comes to power consumption, using just 2 watts, one of which will run the display. However, despite that low power, he said that one of the most recognizable features of the original OLPC prototype (above), its handcrank, will have to go -- not because it can't generate enough power, but because it would put too much stress on the box (more recent prototypes have already jettisoned the crank). However, an adapter to allow the machine to run on pedal power is planned. Negroponte also had some bad news for his hosts at LinuxWorld (as if anything could be worse than saying he supports Windows CE): he said the penguin OS is as bloated as Windows, and will need to slim down to run on the OLPC. We suspect that his words didn't go over very well -- and that a half-dozen open-source projects to shrink Linux down to size were started within an hour.

[BeholdersEye Posted Apr 8th 2006 9:38AM]

This guy has turned into a major prick and turn coat, screw him, there is already light version of linux as a task to the multi versions there are out there already, one for every shape, size, and form. Any future donations from me are now out the window, as M$ that problem solved and proceeds toward world domination, WE ARE DOOMED!

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 9th 2006 10:42AM]

Negroponte "gets it". The MIT Media Lab, which he founded, is an insanely interesting place that cooks up all kinds of ideas, some absurd sounding even, but nonetheless interesting ideas to try and make technology more useful for mankind.

I heard NN talk at a conference several years back, and he is a very engaging speaker, and he seems extremely interested in global economics, education, the disparity between the tech haves and have-nots, and getting the have-nots access to information technology.

Negroponte "foresaw" (or at least talked about) all kinds of internet interconnected appliances, the rise of Asia in internet connectiveness, and several other "trends" years before they hit the mainstream press. The guy is no dummy.

With that said, I think the OLPC project is his way of trying to help third world contries compete in the new millenium economy. Africa, especially, is so poor - that you have to worry about agriculture especially, but also educating the populace about how they can empower themselves to break out of the current cycle of poverty and war. God knows the US, Asian powerhouses and Europe have failed to help the African countries in numerous ways. Perhaps access to real-time information and information literacy will help the people of Africa, and other 3rd world countries, lift themselves up a bit and have a greater voice in the world.

Peace.

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 9th 2006 2:06PM]

Hey, I never had a laptop going through school and I still don�t have one going through college and I live in the United States. Why can�t I get a $100 laptop?