The Child Laptop Program

[erpowers]

Is anyone at DU thinking about supporting the one child one laptop program that will start on November 12? I may not have gotten the name right, but this is the program that seeks to give a number of laptops to kids in poor countries. For a short period of time people will be able to buy two laptops for $399. One laptop will go to a child in a poor country and another will go to the person who paid the $399. The website to learn more about this program is www.xogiving.org.
Yes, this is the program being run by Nicholas Negroponte.

[Lost4words]

1. What a F*ing joke! How will they plug it in?

is it shipping with free internet?

I'll bet a blanket would go further.

[LynneSin]

3. How about a box of books that the kids could use in an upgraded school

that provides a free lunch to all the children attending.

I'd donate to something like that

[Marrah_G]

16. Imagine being able to store those books on their laptops

Imagine not needing paper.

Please check out gatesfoundation.org They are doing some really great things and have donates about 13 billion dollars in the last decade to health, education and growth programs in some of the poorest places in the world.

[eppur_se_muova]

55. How about access to every book that's been uploaded to the Gutenberg Project?

more than 100,000 copyright-free books to GP partners and affiliates...

http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Gutenberg:Partners%2C_Affiliates_and_Resources

and in a variety of languages, wikibooks:

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Wikibooks:Languages_bookshelf

Yes, this is more complicated than giving someone a book, or even several books. But you're giving them a hell of a lot more than books -- you're helping them cross the digital divide which threatens to leave the developing world behind, without projects like OLPC.

Oh, and here's an interesting wrinkle ...

"The laptop began to evolve in June of {2005}, when Mary Lou Jepsen, newly named as acting CTO, began considering a dual-mode display: one a conventional color LED laptop screen, the other a sunlight-readable, black-and-white e-book. The concept made abundant sense for the developing world, where outdoor classes are common and the cost of shipping textbooks is a major expense." http://www.laptop.org/laptop/design/index.shtml

[Junkdrawer]

4. Many ways, including wind-up....

The XO is Linux-based, with a dual-mode display—both a full-color, transmissive DVD mode, and a second display option that is black and white, reflective, and sunlight-readable at three times the resolution. The laptop will have a 500MHz processor and 128MB of DRAM, with 500MB of Flash memory; it will not have a hard disk, but it will have three USB ports and an SD-card slot for expansion. The laptops will have wireless broadband that, among other things, allows them to work as a mesh network; each laptop will be able to talk to its nearest neighbors, creating an ad hoc, local area network. The laptops are designed to be extremely power efficient, enabling the use of innovative power systems (including wind-up).


http://www.laptop.org/en/vision/mission/faq.shtml

[Poll_Blind]

6. These, uh, would be for kids who already have blankets. But no teachers.

You should read up a bit on the goals of the laptops and also learn what the program is really all about. Before I understood the goals and that the device was not really a laptop in the Western technical sense, but a portable hand-cranked learning tool, I was dubious.

These are a solid attempt to extend literacy and learning to parts of the world who have been bereft of such basic services.

Again, you should actually read up on the project and look at the technical specs of the machine. These are not "laptops" as you or I would consider them, but durable, portable self-learning tools.

PB

[Marrah_G]

15. Did you bother to check anything out before posting?

They run on a wind up system, no electricity needed and they come with a short range wi-fi type system that connects them with other lap tops close by, such as school mates and teachers.

Don't be so quick to assume people are idiots. They have put alot of time and money into this project.

[Poll_Blind]

20. No, and I don't think they WANT to be burdened with any sort of understanding before...

...making grand "God, is everyone else dumb except for ME!!!" pronouncements. See for yourself, read the other messages in this thread. It's sad. I'm presuming they're an adult, which is concerning as well.

But it was a salient reminder about why I don't bother getting a star behind my name, anymore. Signal to noise ratio here is a widely-known joke.

PB

[Lost4words]

65. Dear Poll Blind read this!

[Lost4words]

38. So given what you say its still a foolish idea, fix US schools first

this sounds like the only ones who will "profit" will be the company that makes the little wind up schlock boxes.

And I dont assume, what I have witnessed in my lifetime confirms that most of the population are, in fact, Idiots!

Lets send expectant mothers Mozart CDs to enlighten the pre birth babies!

[Lost4words]

62. They have allowed Bush to reside in the WH havent they?

I should assume all folks are what SMART???????

[Tesha]

30. It has an available cranked generator; no need to plug it in. (NT)

[Bluebear]

32. PHOTO: A whole classroom of fucking jokes

[Fierce]

36. What are they learning?

Seriously, what's going on in that picture?

[LynneSin]

47. I'm assuming the keyboard is in a language they understand

or do we just assume everyone speaks english

Nice photo-op picture

[eppur_se_muova]

53. others are available ...

The sealed green rubber keyboard is waterproof and its size is designed for a child's hands. As well as being offered in a standard QWERTY layout it has various configurations for different languages such as Thai, Arabic, Spanish, and Urdu.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6679431.stm

[LynneSin]

2. I want to help developing nations but....

...first, what about children here in the US that have no access to computers?

2nd: What use will these laptops provide if there is no power or no internet that these laptops can access?

3rd: I think the money would be better spent on expanding schools in developing nations and providing more books and/or other educational materials. Perhaps the school could be setup to include desktop computers (which are less likely to be stolen than laptops).

Personally I think it's a very stupid program that wants to make people feel good with sending cheap laptops to 'kids in developing nation' but never really addresses the problem of how they can be used.

[Junkdrawer]

5. Please take a second to educate yourself on the program...

http://www.laptop.org/en/vision/mission/faq.shtml

[Fierce]

8. God, I'm tired of computers being the answer for everything.

From the FAQs:

"Recent work with schools in Maine has shown the huge value of using a laptop across all of one's studies, as well as for play."

"In one Cambodian village where we have been working, there is no electricity, thus the laptop is, among other things, the brightest light source in the home."

"Furthermore, there are many reasons it is important for a child to own something—like a football, doll, or book—not the least of which being that these belongings will be well-maintained through love and care."

All of those sentences are really sad to me.

[LynneSin]

12. So these laptops will have eternal battery power recharged by WHAT??!!

This is such a sad and profoundly ill-guided program.

I'm not here to deny these kids laptops but hell, if they aren't being fed or getting decent healthcare then what purpose will a laptop serve them?

[Poll_Blind]

19. Charged by the hand of a little child turning a crank, you willfully-ignorant person.

People are imploring you to just read up on the program. I don't think you're interested in the program at all, just picking a standpoint, even one hip-deep in ignorance about the subject being discussed, and lashing out until you get bored.

PB

[Marrah_G]

23. They are crank powered

The Gates foundation also provides Education Health and Growth Programs to the poorest of the poor. This is one SMALL part.

They have donated more then 13 billion dollars to help the poorest of the earth.

[eppur_se_muova]

60. They have a hand crank ... it's a closely guarded secret ...

... visible in all the publicity photos.

[proud2BlibKansan]

34. I teach in the urban core of a large city and every single kid in my school

could use a laptop. This sounds like a great program but I sure wish some entrepeuner would help kids right here in the USA.

Yes, I did read the link.

[Lost4words]

64. DAMN STINKING STRAIGHT!

[AZBlue]

57. You're avoiding the question: what about American children (and adults for that matter)?

[Junkdrawer]

61. I'm all for it...it's just that many of Lynne's question were answered in the FAQ...

Perhaps a US version could assume reliable power and more Internet access....

[Poll_Blind]

7. I second Junkdrawer's request. It is not a laptop in the sense you're thinking. n/t

PB

[Romulox]

9. Poor American kids aren't "trendy". Now shutup and buy a laptop!!!! nt

[Marrah_G]

24. Do some god damn reading before you criticize

From www.gatesfoundation.org

____________________________________________
Creating Opportunities for All
As a nation, it’s critical we ensure equitable access to opportunities for America’s most vulnerable people. Nearly one-third of high school students won’t graduate on time, and the rate is worse for Latino, Native American, and African American students. Millions of people do not have access to the powerful information that others readily access through computers and the Internet. In the Pacific Northwest, a growing number of families struggle to get by.

The mission of the United States Program is to reduce these inequities and improve access to opportunities by:

* Significantly increasing the number of students who graduate from high school with the skills needed to succeed in college and work

* Improving the lives of at-risk children, youth, and families in Washington state and Greater Portland, Oregon

* Expanding access to information through technology in public libraries that serve low-income and disadvantaged communities
__________________________________________________________

If you actually go to the web page you can see what they have done here at home.

[Romulox]

26. LOL. You snippet appears to have not a thing to do with this silly laptop!

Bill Gates is known for his abuse of the H1B visa system and preference for cheap, outsourced workers.

This program sounds a lot like "train the outsourcing workforce of tomorrow!"

[Marrah_G]

35. She asked about poor American kids so I pointed her to their American programs

You've already made up your mind that anything Gates does is shit so it's not worth trying to point anything else to you.

[LanternWaste]

49. Because imaginary red and black lines on a map...

Yet poor American children (for the most part) do have internet access via public libraries, community centers, job center, etc.

Now, as for the poor children in Burundi where there is no fundamental infrastructure, it's a little different.

However, I'm also the first to admit that to me, poor is poor-- regardless of who the imaginary red and black lines on a map tells us is more important.

[Romulox]

51. I care about EVERYBODY equally = I don't care that much about my neighbors...nt

[Omphaloskepsis]

11. Hey, have you heard of eBooks and PDF files?

I have over 500 books in PDF format that I use all of the time. Hey, no need for paper.

[LynneSin]

14. Great - I'm assuming you have regular access to electricity

A book does not require a source of electricity.

A book will not break when dropped

A book probably has little value on the black market vs. a laptop

[Marrah_G]

21. Please do some reading first

The latops do NOT need electricity, they have a wind up power source. They do not need the internet. They are made to be very durable. The Gates Foundation has spent years developing this and has given over 13 billion in health, education and growth programs to some of the poorest nations in the world.

[dansolo]

37. These laptops are not from the Gates foundation

This program is completely independent from the Gates Foundation. While they are doing a lot of great things, please do not give them any credit for this.

[Marrah_G]

41. My apologies

Wierd, I was sure it was one of their brainstorms. I'm the first to admit when I'm wrong, so I am off to eat some serious crow.

:blush:

[LynneSin]

42. Stop get back here - no crow for you

but perhaps some more cowbell.

It's not a bad idea with the laptop - I just think there are more important things we can do to help developing nations. Perhaps by forgiving world debt would be a great start!

[Marrah_G]

18. Check the Gates Foundation for answers

The laptops need no electricity. The laptops need no internet. They are tools that hold books and educational material on them.

[LynneSin]

10. Oh this explains this truly dumbass idea - the guy running the program is the bro of John Negroponte

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_Negroponte

Only a republican and one who probably has contacts to the Bush regime would come up with a dumbass idea like this.

I highly doubt that any of these kids would have use for a laptop ESPECIALLY since many might not have access to electricity and/or the internet. So in a nutshell these kids are given a cheap piece of crap that will have little function in their life except to make a few US citizens feel good that they've done something to help others.

Here's some thoughts about laptops and btw, I've worked with laptop support for years: Because they are portable they are easier to break. I highly doubt a laptop being sold for less than $200 is going to survive the impact of being dropped. The other problem with laptops is that they are much easier to steal since you can just toss one into a bag and go.

Wouldn't this program be more worthy if we were donating these laptops to schools that are in developing nations? Or better yet - to children & families in our own country who can't afford a computer and will more likely have at least the electricity to run one of these things (we could probably easily provide cheap dial-up internet connection).

And for developing nations - why not provide better schools, materials for the schools and perhaps a free lunch for the children to eat each day. Plus a school is more likely to have electricity so the computers could be setup in the school for the children to use and learn on.

[MrCoffee]

13. Wired had a fantastic article about the designer of the $100 laptop

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/14.08/laptop.html

read up on it. it seems like a really good program to encourage educational opportunities in poor and developing countries.

[Poll_Blind]

17. Your best argument is: Guilt by blood relation? I'm not sure how enlightened that is.

How enlightened or articulate do you think that sounds to people reading your messages?

PB

[AnneD]

22. That argument is as old....

as Cain and Able.

[LynneSin]

43. Well I guess you haven't read any posts from the anti-hillary crowd here at DU

But when it comes to the Negropontes I can find better people to support with their help in 3rd world nations

[Marrah_G]

25. GO TO THE WEB PAGE

Find out what the fuck you are talking about please.

JESUS H CHRIST............

I am SO done talking to a brick fucking wall who is dead set on ripping apart the good someone else is fucking trying to do.

[Poll_Blind]

27. Oh, they're done and off to ignorantly shit-up some other thread by now.

Fig. 1, "The Locust"

PB

[LynneSin]

45. Please scroll up - another poster already debunked the gates foundation

and the person you replied to has recognized that the Gates Foundation has NOTHING to do with this project

[eppur_se_muova]

28. I know a lot of people would like to attack without any info, but here's some info anyway...

To ensure the laptop is robust and can be maintained as easily as possible it omits all moving parts. It has no hard drive, CD or DVD drive. As it also packs a low power processor it has no cooling fans.
***
The off-the-shelf processor is designed to be energy efficient. Unlike a standard chip, which remains active even when nothing changes on screen, the AMD processor is able to shut itself down, only waking when it is needed. It has an inbuilt graphics card.
***
A range of power supplies are available to countries buying the laptop. Two choices of rechargeable battery are offered with different chemistries. Both cost $10 (£5) to replace and hold their charge for at least four-times the amount of time as a normal laptop battery, according to OLPC.

For areas with an electricity supply, the computer can be used with an 18W power adapter.
***
In areas without access to the grid, various contraptions have been designed to plug directly into the laptop including a solar panel, a hand crank (similar to those used on wind-up radios), a foot pedal and a pull-string recharger, similar to a starter cord on a lawnmower.
***
more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6679431.stm

Interesting to note that the hand crank has been a feature of the design from the very beginning, so it is a little hard to understand why so many are asking "where's the power come from?".

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4292854.stm

When Professor Negroponte saw the benefits of donated notebook PCs that Cambodian children could carry around with them, he immediately set about planning the sub-$100 machines.
***
He said he is committed to the idea that children all over the world should be equipped with technology so that they can tap into the educational and communications benefits of the net.

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.
***
There have been several projects to build and distribute cheap computers for developing nations in order to close the digital divide.

A sub-£100 box, called Nivo, has been developed by UK not-for-profit group, Ndiyo. It runs on open source software and works as a thin client.
***

[Fleshdancer]

29. I've never heard of it but I'm interested

I wonder if the association I work for could raise funds for this project. We're in the IT industry so it makes sense to me.

[erpowers]

44. Some Information About the Program

This is an article, in today's edition of the New York times, that was written about the program.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/24/business/worldbusiness/24laptop.html?em&ex=1190865600&en=2a8a93e8e861f896&ei=5087

[LynneSin]

46. Great now what about American kids who can't afford laptops

This program is seriously challenged!

[eppur_se_muova]

54. See post 33 nt

[zbdent]

31. Wait ... when you said "child laptop", I thought you were talking

about Mark Foley ...

[ChairmanAgnostic]

40. or the catholic church. . . .

[proud2BlibKansan]

33. What about free laptops for kids in the USA?

I heard about this last week and my first thought was that's nice but kids right here could use laptops.

So does the USA qualify as a poor country?

[LynneSin]

48. No - our children are not worthy of this project

If the laptops fail or the money is being diverted - it would be more difficult to do with Americans than it would be with people in developing nations.

I find it ironic these things are made in Taiwan. You want to make this program work - build a factory in one of these developing nations and teach them how to build these things. I think an income would be of better value than a laptop. Income can feed children and hopefully send children to schools and provide healthcare.

[eppur_se_muova]

52. In Negroponte's home state of MA ...

"The following year, Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney plans to start buying them for all 500,000 middle and high school pupils in the state."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4292854.stm

No word on whether that's still going to happen.

[AZBlue]

58. Well, that's lovely for Maine. What about the other 49 states?

[eppur_se_muova]

59. Uh, check with their governors? They know whom to contact -- IF they're interested.

MA=Massachusetts, as in MIT, Negroponte's home institution.

[ChairmanAgnostic]

39. every child already has a laptop when they sit.

one thing about laptops, radiation, battery burns must be considered.

[Wiley50]

50. Would the one we get be useful to an adult like me?

If not, I'd prefer they both be given to kids.

But, it's a moot point as I don't have $400 anyway

[AZBlue]

56. Well sure! Since all Americans already have their own computers, why wouldn't I?

Oh, wait........


:sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm::sarcasm:

[Lost4words]

63. God save the almighty COMPUTER!

its the answer to everything, it will save the world.

Look what its done so far, its the number 1 tool of the police state.

Now the kids can learn what a Police State is and not be able, ever, to do anything about it.

I am all for it if China is sponsoring it!

And by the way people as long as I am struggling to keep my family alive, fed and maybe again one day soon INSURED! I am not going to be ape shit about all these little save the world projects. With no way to earn a living all my education aint worth much.

But the computers will insure a moderately educated workforce that can take the rest of the US jobs.

Everything has motive.

Dont be fooled high value rollers!

8643