India to launch credit crunch £7 laptop, world's cheapest computer

Government hopes its mini-computer, the world's cheapest, will bridge the digital divide between rich and poor

The credit crunch computer is set to arrive tomorrow in India when officials unveil the 500 rupee (£7.25) laptop. In an attempt to bridge the "digital divide" in the country between rich and poor, the government will show off the prototype, low-cost laptop as the centrepiece of an ambitious e-learning programme to link 18,000 colleges and 400 universities across the country. Full Story »

Posted by Kristin Gorski
Dale Penn
4.0
by Dale Penn - Feb. 4, 2009

IF this works, it is huge news with implications for the rest of the world. If, as some of blog reference states, this turns out to infeasible then this story is just that - a story. We should soon know. See link below: Counterpoint: $20 laptop a dubious solution to India's education woes"

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James Jackson
3.4
by James Jackson - Feb. 4, 2009

Sadly, this would count as quality journalism. It is a collection of quotes and counter quotes. There is very little discussion of how we get from here (e.g. the XO computer) to the new design (and new price). In technology we see dozens of these vaporware projects come and go every year. They usually don't happen.

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Kristin Gorski
3.9
by Kristin Gorski - Feb. 4, 2009

A comprehensive piece. Features a solid balance of facts, quotations from stakeholders, a balance of viewpoints, and context. Informative.

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Doug Greer
4.0
by Doug Greer - Feb. 3, 2009

It is clearly stated that the claims of a very cheap laptop may only be hype. Similar innovations, like the $2000 Tata car wind-up power, are listed to show why the claims are being taken seriously. If a laptop can be produced, sold, and marketed near the price given, it could significantly change the entire computer industry.

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Kenneth Sibbett
2.1
by Kenneth Sibbett - Feb. 3, 2009

Mr. Rameesh while writing an interesting article, seems to star off with a Hail Marry and ends up with an incomplete pass. I'm with Judge Judy, if it doesn't sound right, it must not be right.

I hope this story turns out to be true, educating poor children is the future of this world. Also, I have a wind-up flashlight, and it's pretty neat.

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Tommy Wallach
4.2
by Tommy Wallach - Feb. 3, 2009

Not much room for error here; just a bit about a new tech.

See Full Review » (6 answers)

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