OLPC Mass Production Begins

chris_mahan writes to tell us that mass production of the $100 laptop is finally being ramped up. "Hardware suppliers have been given the green light to ramp-up production of all of the components needed to build millions of the low-cost machines. Previously, the organization behind the scheme said that it required orders for 3m laptops to make production viable. The first machines should be ready to put into the hands of children in developing countries in October 2007. "There's still some software to write, but this is a big step for us," Walter Bender, head of software development at One Laptop per Child (OLPC), told the BBC News website."

So, can we buy civvie models yet?

[jollyreaper]

I want to support OLFM, One Laptop For Me.

Re:Blah

[fr4nk]

They seem to like the ability to browse porn [slashdot.org] too.

So who gets theirs first?

[dashslotter]

The kids in the factory that makes them?

Poor child turns down OLPC computer

[fyoder]

"There's still some software to write, but this is a big step for us," Walter Bender, head of software development at One Laptop per Child (OLPC), told the BBC News website. "

A 3rd world tyke expressed disinterest in the OLPC initiative, saying "Scratching figures in the dirt with a stick has always worked just fine for me. I'll consider getting an OLPC computer in a few years once they've worked out the bugs."

Can I get the African diistribution?

[denttford]

The one with the preloaded porn?

It's for a... sociological study in aesthetics... purely educational...

Re:kids in the states

[Xybre]

Africa isn't a country. Oh wait, you went to American public schools? I feel your pain.

Greetings from the Nation of Africa!

[locokamil]

COMING AS I DO FROM A NATION OF DEPOSED MILLIONAIRE PRINCES AND BRUTAL MILITARY DICTATORS, I AM EMAILING YOU TO REQUESTING YOUR ASSISTANCE IN MOVING MONEY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000,000 (TM) AWAY FROM THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF THE NATION OF AFRICA TO AVOID [SOB STORY].

IN RETURN FOR YOUR HELP, YOU WILL RECEIVE AN AMOUNT OF NO LESS THAN 120% (POSSIBLY MORE) OF THE TRANSFERRED AMOUNT. PLEASE REPLY AT THE SOONEST WITH NOTIFICATION OF YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THIS DEAL, BANK ACCOUNT INFORMATION AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER.

YOURS RESPECTFULLY,
GENERIC AFRICA MILLIONAIRE PRINCE

1 AFRICA ROAD
AFRICA CITY, 12358
NATION OF AFRICA

Re:Blah

[d3ac0n]

Heh, I was going to post that link, but you beat me to it.

Personally, I suggest a new slogan:

"OLPC, Bringing Internet Porn to horny third world pubescent boys!"

They could include a complimentary subscription to playboy online and a safer sex care pack!

In all seriousness, Come on. Did anyone REALLY think that these things would be used for only "educational" purposes? Hell, I'll bet good money that the majority of them hardly EVER end up used for education. Unless you consider learning new sexual techniques "education".

Critical mass for sapience by 4/17/08

[StefanJ]

Millions and millions of little processors hooked up by a ad hoc wireless network . . . I figure we have nine months until it gains consciousness and starts organizing legions of Third World kids.

Nigeria

[Superevil]

can we opt out of sending these things to Nigeria? I get enough junk email as it is.

Re:So, can we buy civvie models yet? Please

[jollyreaper]

Seriously though, I really do want one & would be prepared to cough up 200 squids for one. Where do I sign up?

`0.o Er, do you appear on one of those Japanese competitive eating shows? I'll give you the laptop for free so long as you promise not to do that.

Re:The Diamond Age

[nuzak]

> The OLPC is kinda like that.

Fiction?

Re:heh.

[CaffeineAddict2001]

Well, considering it has a "pull-string power charger", one could argue that the laptop is actually fueled by porn.

Re:Blah

[markov_chain]

Heh, I was going to post that link, but you beat meat to it.

There, fixed that for ya.

I'm waiting for the OLTRA...

[Vintermann]

... the One Laptop To Rule them All