And while we’re on the topic, Digg.com scooped the story about the new One Laptop Per Child prototypes, pictured above at left. Is it just me, or are they just ugly? Compared with the clean, functional lines (and stunning, recognizable colors) of the older design by Design Continuum (above right), the new designs, by a firm called fuse-project look gaudy and breakable. Whereas the older design could be folded “inside out” for tablet use, this uses a pivoting joint as do most Tablet PCs. While it means that when putting the tablet down, the keys aren’t face down, it’s inherently a weaker joint. Also – the embossed pattern of little humanoid icons plastered to the surface will collect grime and is a waste of plastic. And are just ugly.

Also scrapped was the onboard crank – apparently it wasn’t the best way to generate power, and stressed the laptop frame. OLPC mention that they’re investigating pull-string, pedal, and other ways of generating power, all off-board.

Grrr – Can we just build the green one, and sell it in the US – and donate all the profits to providing free units to developing countries? And build it in bioplastic, with leadless solder? I wouldn’t think twice about paying $500 for one, just for the ability to charge it by cranking. Somebody step in and fill this demand!

Link to OLPC gallery

Related Posts: $100 Laptop and e-Waste, Green Citizen: Recycling Electronics, Original $100 Laptop Post

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See Also: The $100 Laptop Gallery,$100 Laptop Wastestream Critique,Furry Laptop Covers,

This entry was posted by Jeffrey Warren on Thursday, March 9th, 2006 at 2:52 am and is filed under Design, Social Change, Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.