Power Scheme for OLPC Project Falling Into Place

robotrachel writes "According to Technology Review, the $100 laptop intended for children in the developing world will be powered in much the same way that you might start an outboard motor on a boat. The new power system will 'make the laptop much easier to power than it would be with a hand crank, in part, because the users will be able to operate the generator in a variety of ways, including holding the device (the size of two hockey pucks) in one hand and pulling the string with the other, or clamping the generator to a desk, attaching the string to one foot, and using leg power.'" There are plenty of sewing machine treadles in the world, too -- I hope someone can figure out a way to combine them with the new design.

Comments

Re:I want one!

[Fusione]

What you're asking about is transflective lcd displays. Basically, a semi transparent mirror is placed right behind the lcd panel, with the backlight and backlight substrate behind it. So the traditional ccfl backlight shines through (at reduced efficiency) AND ambient light is reflected back out through the screen by the mirror. Look at any decent pocket pc, and you'll see this technology at work. So screens that can be read without any backlight do exist, and there are some notebooks that incorperate the tech.. but you won't find them at the local electronics depot. I haven't looked into them in a long while, but check out the panasonic toughbooks. I remember they used to have transflective options for this series of notebooks!

Re:I want one!

[Duwke]

I've seen the "view-anywhere" screens on the motion computing tablets, and it's quite impressive. If you ever have a chance to play with one, definitely check it out. http://www.motioncomputing.com/products/promotions _view_anywhere.asp#vad

But you can own your very own...

[4solarisinfo]

Don't forget boys and girls, You too can own what is sure to become the ultimate geek accessory and make a charitable donation all in one fell swoop. Sign up now to donate $300, recieve one computer, and know you've sent two where they are needed.

http://www.pledgebank.com/100laptop

Well, maybe you can own one, but your only chance of getting one in the US is probably to sign the pledge to convince everyone it's a viable solution.

Re:Do they really need a computer

[Anonymous Coward]

Why is it that people who troll this subject can't get it through their thick skulls that these laptops aren't intended for children who don't already have food, and water.
 
There's one of you every damn time this subject comes up on /. Go read about the OLPC project and look at the list of countries they are going to provide computers for. Then read about those countries if you don't know what their economies/lifestyles are like.

Re:the old ways are sometimes the best

[vmcto]

RAAF not US... It was a kite with the line being an aerial for the broadcast...

Re:Free Energy?

[LunaticTippy]

The human body does better than 50% conversion efficiency, so 20 watt hours would cost about 30 kcalories. That's a pretty small amount, even on an extremely low-calorie diet. The kids might use less calories with the computer, since they might be running around playing otherwise.

For those who thought about using this as a pleasant form of exercise, here is a handy guide: 8 hours of cranking at maximum speed will burn off a third of a dry bagel. Keep it up all day and night and you'll burn off an entire dry bagel. Let's just say this won't solve obesity problems quickly.