XO Giving/Crank

How can one get a hand crank or yo yo?

(for myself I am getting one for use while backpacking far off the grid so it is essential.)

Will somebody please respond to this??? For some people this is the #1 factor in deciding to participate in the Give 1 Get 1 program.

The official yo-yo is not currently available, but according to the Potenco hand generator FAQ, they will eventually sell them commercially. If you need something before then, the laptop accepts a wide range of voltages (11V-18V usable, according to the hardware page) and there are other power solutions available online. Try searching the web for "portable solar power" or "crank generator". Also see Quozl's related answer on the Ask a question page. —Joe 10:58, 24 November 2007 (EST)

If this is seriously your #1 gating factor in participating in the Give 1 Get 1 program, then you've come to the wrong place. Human power in place of other existing energy supplies is only a peripheral problem for OLPC ... our main goal is to get a working and powered laptop into the hands of every kid. --Quozl 06:19, 4 December 2007 (EST)

For me it is not the #1 issue, but it is an innovative idea that I would like to try it out, plus it could be practical as well (say camping). It won't decide my participation but I'd be somewhat disappointed.

I was also expecting that the yo-yo would be provided with the laptop as I saw this as the most interesting feature. I participated in the Give one, Get One program and received my laptop only to discover there was no yo-yo. I was rather disappointed. I work in developing countries as a development expert and I disagree with the response that electricity is a peripheral issue. I had major misgivings about this program with the aim of giving children laptops because I find there are so many basic essentials they need much more than a laptop -- i.e., clean water, food, shelter, schools, etc. In most cases, these children do not have access to electricity at all. If they can access electricity, it is very unreliable. This is even the case in large cities in India where children have access to computers, but no electricity to make it a reliable source of information and communication. So, I was actually against the idea of the distribution of laptops when rural children do not even have access to electricity. The yo-yo overcame my misgivings. I was also excited to hear from Dr. Negroponte when he spoke at a public meeting that for many families the light provided by the laptop provided light to many families. So, I thought that at least the whole family will benefit and children can do their homework using the safe light from the laptop screen. A particular advantage of handpowered electricity is that no one can take the batteries away. In many rural areas, men will leave the radio at home and take away the batteries so that the women who remain in the house cannot listen to the radio and access the information. Handpowered electricity allows children the ability to access electricity without having to negotiate with guardians. I really think the OLPC should reconsider their valuation of the importance of handpowered electricity.