X

Images: MIT cranks up $100 laptop

MIT has developed a $100 windup-powered laptop targeted at children in developing nations.
By Bill Detwiler, Contributor
11699.jpg
1 of 5 Bill Detwiler/ZDNET

$100 laptop

A research project at the MIT Media Lab has a plan for getting $100 laptops in the hands of millions of people around the world. One notable feature is a hand crank for providing power in places where electricity is undependable or unavailable.

11700.jpg
2 of 5 Bill Detwiler/ZDNET

In the design for the laptop, the power pack also functions as a handle. The system is still in the design phase, and a prototype is due Nov. 15, 2005. A preliminary schedule calls for the systems to reach the market by the end of 2006 or early 2007.

11701.jpg
3 of 5 Bill Detwiler/ZDNET

Power modules are intended to slide into the thick hinged section of the laptop, and a carry strap doubles as a cord for plugging the system into wall outlets.

11702.jpg
4 of 5 Bill Detwiler/ZDNET

The Media Lab portable is expected to perform several roles, as laptop, handheld and e-book.

11703.jpg
5 of 5 Bill Detwiler/ZDNET

The laptop will prominently feature electronic ink capabilities, in addition to its keyboard functions.

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes
Holiday lights in Central Park background

Related Galleries

Holiday wallpaper for your phone: Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's, and winter scenes

21 Photos
Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting
Wooden lodge in pine forest with heavy snow reflection on Lake O'hara at Yoho national park

Related Galleries

Winter backgrounds for your next virtual meeting

21 Photos
Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes
3D Rendering Christmas interior

Related Galleries

Holiday backgrounds for Zoom: Christmas cheer, New Year's Eve, Hanukkah and winter scenes

21 Photos
Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza
img-8825

Related Galleries

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6: Electric vehicle extravaganza

26 Photos
A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex
img-9792-2

Related Galleries

A weekend with Google's Chrome OS Flex

22 Photos
Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup
shutterstock-1024665187.jpg

Related Galleries

Cybersecurity flaws, customer experiences, smartphone losses, and more: ZDNet's research roundup

8 Photos
Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'
Full of promises!

Related Galleries

Inside a fake $20 '16TB external M.2 SSD'

8 Photos