$100 Laptop

The MIT Media Lab is planning to develop a laptop computer that will sell for $100 a piece (volume pricing). It is designed to be usable by children all over the world and includes some unique features, such as wind-up power, to eliminate dependence on electricity. The design includes full-color screen through rear projecting or electronic ink, WiFi and cell phone capability, USB ports and a 500MHz processor. The low price is achieved primarily by reducing the display cost to less than 25 dollars, by streamlining the software and employing Linux as the operating system. The laptop will be sold by the millions, primarily to government agencies, such as ministries of education thereby eliminating marketing expenses. Read more…