Talk:Our technology

Design Decisions

The structure of this talk page is copied from the article so you can find the part you want easily.

Why is it important for each child to have a computer? What's wrong with community-access centers?

It is desirable for each child to have a computer, but I believe there will be cases where there is only OLP Classroom - In that event it is desirable for each child to have an ereader, which can be loaded from the computer, and cost about 10% of the computer cost. No ereaders have yet been designed (as OLPC is) for low cost. If the OLPC costs $100 then ereaders could cost $10 in comparable quantities, utilizing (very low power) static screens like Sipix and E-ink.

Why do you think the ereader will be significantly less expensive than a laptop? I don't know much about the quantity pricing of Sipix, but an ereader using eink would currently (2007) be much more expensive than the XO. And the ereader still needs a CPU, memory, local storage, IO capability, probably wants a network connection... If you want the children to be able to make margin notes, it will need input of some sort. Add it all up and you are talking about something similar to a laptop. Also, an ereader is not going to help children learn to write, do mathematics, etc. --Walter 22:09, 1 July 2007 (EDT)

First Generation Project

How to get the price down

I use computer for 30 years and what I see is the price getting down and the power up.

You may have some good political reasons to limit the spreading of the OLPC to some countries.

What I think is the OLPC can become for rich countries a cute device like the iPod, and you could sell millions getting the price down. I am sure that getting a low price (with a good quality) is very important for the poor children of developping countries.

I see another point, by selling OLPC to the developped world you create a mode (like iPod) that would make easier to negociate with governments and make the OLPC more accepted by people. Did you like me to give (or sell) you, poor guy of Vietnam, a special device just made for you, a device that I, and my children, would not use. That mean that this device is just good enough for you. It is not very pleasant. But if I give or sell iPod (or Nokia phone, or ...) I will be welcome.

My idea is OLPC must be a "must have" in Paris, NYC, London, ... before to be given to children or teacher in Ouagadougou.

Remy Pericard from Versailles, France (I have 4 PC and 1 MAC at home and I don't need OLPC but I would buy one OLPC just to help decreasing the price.)

Hardware

How many amps will be needed to run this machine?

Guess is 2 (up to 15) watts. Voltages? Nitpicker 21:37, 5 October 2006 (EDT)

What are the plans for the battery?

Keep the AltairNano Lithium Ion SAFE battery in mind for power to weight and long life combined with fast recharge from power line. Probably too expensive this year, but ask. Nitpicker 21:37, 5 October 2006 (EDT)