Talk:Our technology

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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)

Why not a desktop computer, or—even better—a recycled desktop machine?

Why not just give children cell phones?

What about technical support? Would the children's ownership of them lead to sufficiently greater care that technical support becomes unnecessary?

First Generation Project

When do you anticipate these laptops reaching the market?

What do you see as the biggest hurdles?

Hardware

How is it possible to get the cost so low?

Considering the millions to be built, will it be recyclable?

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)

What about connectivity? Aren't telecommunications services expensive in the developing world?

What can a $1000 laptop do that the $100 version can't?

Who is the original design manufacturer (ODM) of the $100 laptop?

Will the laptop owner be able to upgrade any aspect of it (e.g., replace the 512M flash with 1Gb flash)?

Will the USB port have enough power to run a USB CD reader?

How bright will the display be?

Will the case be made of food-grade plastic?

When will we see a reasonably final case design?

Under what range of temperatures is the laptop expected to operate?

Will the laptop have a fan?

What design features will keep dust out of the laptop?

What design features will keep moisture out of the laptop?

Will each laptop have a unique serial number?

Will the laptop have the capability to have extra compact flash or SD memory added inside the case?

Will the case have any external grooves or slots?

Will the machine be available with different keyboard layouts?

I don't see the hand crank on the latest designs, is it not part of the laptop's design anymore?