When I first heard about OLPC (not to be confused with OLGC), it seemed like a pie-in-the-sky project. It seemed infeasible to construct and sell a customized laptop for ~$100, especially if non-commodity components were used (i.e., rugged, hand crank). So I was pleasantly surprised when I read last week that the laptops are finally on sale (although at a higher price ~$400 for two, with one donated to charity).

While I am impressed by this humanitarian achievement, I, like many other critics, don’t think that this is necessary the best approach to help third world countries. It’s a long bet for sure, and it also unfortunately suffers the same political problems that prevents basic aid (food and health care) from reaching the proper people; so I wouldn’t count on the movement being successful even if the technology is implemented.

On a more esoteric level, I wonder how the user interface is setup (yes, I could download the VMWare image myself but I’m too lazy). It pretty much has to be pictoral as literacy rates are low (and even then, what language would you use?), but how do you assign icons so that the message is clear across cultural barriers? That’s an interesting globalization question. Also, speaking of literacy, how are the kids expected to use wikipedia or reprogram the python code? I think the glamour of a cheap PC for malnourished kids has driven the project forward more than it should have.

Posted by Kevin in Blogs Tags: worldissues