After developing a $100 laptop aimed towards children in developing countries, One Laptop per Child (OLPC) has revealed its latest model, a touchscreen, slim-line table PC called XO-3. Explaining that the new product would be “available in 2012”, OPLC added that it would be “well below $100”.
OLPC’s first computer came to light in 2007 with their XO device. Whilst a XO-2 machine was developed in 2008 it was later scrapped, now to be replaced with the latest model. Featuring open source software and sunlight readable displays, the machines are designed for use by children in developing countries where environments can be harsh and remote.
Originally aimed at selling to governments in 1million bulk orders, OLPC’s initial problem was convincing many officials to take up the scheme. Whilst both Peru and Uruguay now have a computer for every school child, many governments remain to be convinced, resulting in the non-profit charity also making their computers available in single units.
Having now distributed products in over 35 countries at an amount of over 1.4 million units, OLPC’s Europe CEO Walter de Brouwer said “I’m talking to three four countries in the EU at the moment. Once one says yes, the others can’t say no.” He added that continuing decrease in electrical component cost meant that future costs for the XO-3 could be as little as “50, 60 or 70 euros,” with it “very realistic” that governments could pay back costs over a number of years, allowing students to have access to computers for as little as one euro a month.
