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OLPC Cost Rises To $188 Per Laptop

Posted by Zonk on from the still-not-a-ton-of-money dept.

Arathon writes "The amazing '$100 laptop' designed by the 'One Laptop Per Child' program isn't going to make it out the door for that price. CNN reports that the laptops are now expected to cost $188 apiece when they come out later this fall. This is expected to make the program's appeal potentially much smaller, since the developers were relying on the mind-bogglingly low-price to hook governments into the concept of buying laptops for their people. OLPC's spokesman guarantees that the price won't rise further, to 'above $190'. The price differential is being blamed on raw materials costs and currency fluctuation. Is this the end of the OLPC's newsworthiness, or should we continue to hope that it will make the difference that so many have said it will?"

13 of 270 comments (clear)

  1. Only USD by MarkRose · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's okay, it's 188 USD, not 188 in some highly valued currency.

    --
    Be relentless!
  2. Or change the project name by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    0.532 Laptops Per Child

    1. Re:Or change the project name by Tablizer · · Score: 5, Funny

      0.532 Laptops Per Child

      Or just cut the children in half. Worked in the Bible.

      --
      Table-ized A.I.
    2. Re:Or change the project name by EvanED · · Score: 5, Funny

      What? No, you're backwards! If you cut the children in half there will be FEWER laptops per child since there will be more kids.

      What you need to do is duck tape a few together. Heck, tape them together in bundles of three and you'll have the 1.5 laptops per child p.

  3. Name Change in order by MrCopilot · · Score: 3, Funny
    How about the 100 pound laptop.

    According to Google Calculator
    188 U.S. dollars = 92.7204577 British pounds

    --
    OSGGFG - Open Source Gamers Guide to Free Games
  4. Re:God bless these children by Satan+Gave+Me+a+Taco · · Score: 2, Funny

    this is /. not fucking-morons-invent-unrealistic-mini-soap-operas.com You seem to be somewhat confused about the nature of Slashdot.
  5. Re:Price will drop fast by Anomolous+Cowturd · · Score: 5, Funny

    They could start calling it the 100 pound laptop.

    --
    Software patents delenda est.
  6. Re:Currency "fluctuation" by aichpvee · · Score: 3, Funny

    My fellow Americans, allow me to take this opportunity to encourage you to get in your last few "Canadian monopoly money" jokes while you still can. You may not get another chance.

    --
    The Farewell Tour II
  7. Name change might be in order by proverbialcow · · Score: 2, Funny

    If they're going to keep straying from their original vision, they should at least have the decency to call it "No Laptop Left Behind."

    --
    The only surefire protection against Microsoft infections is abstinence. - The Onion
  8. Apple by mosb1000 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Apple should release a $200 iPod touch with increased functionality and reduced specs for children in third world countries. It could easily compete with OLPC at that price.

  9. 100 Lbs ! by gooman · · Score: 4, Funny

    Isn't that kind of heavy for a laptop?

    Oh wait... Never mind.

    --
    "Kittens give Morbo gas!"
  10. Re:Price did not rise much outside of the USA. by Dr.+Spork · · Score: 5, Funny

    Wouldn't it be pretty ironic if they ended up using cheap child labor to make these?

  11. God bless these children! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Funny

    Day 1

    Mommy, I am only 8 inches long, but I have all my organs. I love the sound of your voice. Every time I hear it, I wave my arms and legs. The sound of your heart beat is my favorite lullaby.

    Day 2

    Mommy, today I learned how to suck my thumb. If you could see me, you could definitely tell that I am a baby. I'm not big enough to survive outside my home though. It is so nice and warm in here.

    Day 3

    You know what Mommy, I'm a girl!! I hope that makes you happy. I always want you to be happy. I don't like it when you cry. You sound so sad. It makes me sad too, and I cry with you even though you can't hear me.

    Day 4

    Mommy, my hair is starting to grow. It is very short and fine, but I will have a lot of it. I spend a lot of my time exercising. I can turn my head and curl my fingers and toes, and stretch my arms and legs. I am becoming quite good at it too.

    Day 5

    You went to the doctor today. Mommy, he lied to you. He said that I'm not a baby. I am a baby Mommy, your baby. I think and feel. Mommy, what's abortion?

    Day 6

    I can hear that doctor again. I don't like him. He seems cold and heartless. Something is intruding my home. The doctor called it a needle. Mommy what is it? It burns! Please make him stop! I can't get away from it! Mommy!! HELP me!! No . . .

    Day 7

    Mommy, I am okay. I am in Jesus's arms. he is holding me. He told me about abortion. Why didn't you want me Mommy?

    One more heart that was stopped. Two more eyes that will never see. Two more hands that will never touch. Two more legs that will never run. One more mouth that will never speak.

    REPOST THIS IF YOU HATE ABORTION