Top > Webmaster > 2006 > December > 2006-12-03

First Batch of $100 OLPC`s Machines Ready for Testing

The first batch of the One Laptop Per Child program rolled off the production lines in Shanghai and analysts are already expressing their initial thoughts. The project aims at providing every child in the world with a specially designed laptop. The machines will be very child-oriented and will (eventually) cost $100 a piece. The initiative is backed by Nicholas Negroponte and MIT`s Media Lab, and the user interface is Linux-based. Sounds interesting, doesn`t it?

If you want to take a look at the current stage of development, you can search YouTube for the demonstration video. Its was released on the video content sharing site not long ago, and it gives a sound demonstration of the look and feel of the new interface. With children in mind, the interface is very intuitive, and only features specific tasks and applications. The laptops provide internet access and a reconfigured version of Firefox is available through the interface.

The laptops still have plenty of tests to endure before mass production can commence. Children might use the machine a bit differently them regular laptops users, and further testing must take place. The laptops will be pushed off desks, and thrown into mud ?expected scenarios when considering the target audience. Once testing is complete and the machines are ready, they will be shipped to Brazil, Argentina, Nigeria, and many other countries, and will be distributed to children.