MIT is developing $100 laptops. This has the potential to be a really good thing.
The laptops are going to be running Linux.
The first generation machine will be based on a 500-MHz processor from Advanced Micro Devices, which is one of the project’s main backers, and will have 256MB of main memory, 1GB of flash memory in place of a hard drive, and a wireless LAN connection, he says. The machines will automatically connect with others, forming a mesh network to support communications and also Internet connection sharing. . .
Go check out the project’s details.
I am bothered by the statement: ” Please note: these laptops are not in production. They are not—and will not—be available for purchase by individuals.” Why wouldn’t they want to make the laptops available to low income individuals? That seems silly. If the project was successful, MIT could profit financially from it, and stop sucking so many tax dollars. Isn’t it better to generate your own revenues through capitalism than to rely on money extracted from others by force or threat of force?