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$100 Laptop Takes Flight in Thailand

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the all-about-the-benjamin dept.

EmperorKagato writes "Nicholas Negroponte's project for every child to have a laptop will come true for over 500 students in Thailand. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra expects each child to receive a laptop instead of books as the books will be provided electronically. The laptop, mentioned previously on Slashdot, will now be brought to children in Thailand in October and November, with hopes for future shipments to Nigeria, Brazil and Argentina in 2007." This story selected and edited by LinuxWorld editor for the day Saied Pinto.

4 of 162 comments (clear)

  1. where can I order mine? by ems2004 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Where can I order mine?

    --
    ..... best things in life are not so free..........
    1. Re:where can I order mine? by Kadin2048 · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Give it six months after the first really big deployment (not this one; this is just 500 units, basically prototypes) and they'll be all over eBay.

      Subsidizing the hell out of something and send it to the Third World is a good way to guarantee that it'll end up being sold right back to the First World, if there's any kind of demand.

      --
      "Ladies and gentlemen, my killbot features Lotus Notes and a machine gun. It is the finest available."
  2. Sounds like a good idea, but questions remain by Harry+Balls · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I understand these 500 notebook computers are merely a trial run, the actual quantity needed is probably around 5 million.

    I see some problems, however.
    The minimum wage in Thailand is just below $100 per month. That's right, $100.

    What if the notebook computer gets damaged through fault of the kid?
    What if the notebook computer gets damaged through no fault of the kid?
    What if the notebook computer gets stolen?
    What if the notebook computer gets sold by the kid / his [drug-addicted] [financially distressed] parent?

    A family with one minimum wage earner could be pushed into financial ruin by any of these events.

    --
    Dedicated Linux servers (root access) $45 p.M.
  3. the only problem is... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Replacing books with e-books causes all sorts of problems. No notes on the side of the page, no highlighting, harder to share / look on with a friend, harder to work collaboratively, harder to read at length, harder to transport.

    Books are *great*. Reading off of a computer screen is *terrible*.