Massachusetts based multidisciplinary design consultancy Design Continuum in conjunction with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab present the design and configuration of the $100 laptop intended to revolutionize education for children all over the world. Regardless of national wealth, a goal has been set to reach as many children worldwide, distributing the laptops just like textbooks. In order to prevent the laptops from being hoarded, stolen, or sold in poor countries, the distribution is planned to be well organized and extremely wide-spread with the design being so distinctive that it would be easily spotted in the wrong hands.

These remarkably light, slim and portable laptops are powered by an AC adapter that also acts as a carrying strap. When electricity is not available, an integrated hand crank provides sufficient energy to power the machine. The laptops are extremely durable with a tough rubber outer casing, expected to withstand a plethora of unfavorable conditions. The proposed devices will be 500MHz, 1 GB, 1 Megapixel and Linux-based with a generous full-color screen, plentiful USB ports and WiFi and phone capabilities. The laptop is extremely flexible thanks to a rotating hinge that enables usage as a normal laptop, writing pad, drawing tablet, and presentation screen. The $100 laptops are projected to ship by the end of 2006 or early 2007.

More info: Design Continuum Company Profile

More Bullitts From Design Continuum:
Orbital, SplitBoard, SquishPin and blabber[scope]

Date Posted: October 03, 2005
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