By Jackie Jacobsen

TUNIS: November 16, 2005 (MEDIAGLOBAL): Millions of children in vulnerable countries are set to benefit from the introduction of the $100 laptop, the brainchild of Nicholas Negroponte at the MIT Media Lab. The computer was introduced at the United Nations-sponsored World Summit on the Information Society held in Tunis.

The computers are designed to work on both an AC adapter and a hand-powered crank. The first models of this machine will be based on a 500-MHz processor, and will have 256 MB of main memory, 1 GB of flash memory, Skype Voice over Application, and a wireless LAN connection. The display is designed to switch from color to black-and-white to enable children to use their laptops in daylight. In low income countries, many classes are held outside, and these unique displays will be able to accommodate these conditions.

The Media Lab believes that providing laptop to children in poor countries can add significantly to their educational resources. Internet access will enable students to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in every field, and expand their knowledge of the world around them. In addition, the presence of LANs within the school and villages will encourage active involvement of the community in local education.

The $100 laptop will not be sold in stores. Instead, Negroponte is negotiating deals with interested nations for bulk purchase, after which the computers will be distributed free to needy school children. Presently, Brazil, China, Egypt, South Africa and Thailand have signed onto the project. Negroponte expects production on these computers to begin at the end of 2006.

Negroponte emphasizes how important it is for children to own these machines, but acknowledges that market forces may result in laptop thefts. “It’s a big deal to us whether laptops vanish in customs or are stolen,” he said. “We want to have a machine that’s so distinctive it’d be like stealing a post office truck.” The MIT Media Lab is exploring the possibility of having each child’s name engraved on the laptop as a possible precaution.
The production of such a cheap laptop is made possible by its reliance on open source applications like Linux. Relying on low-cost providers Advanced Micro Devices for the processor, and Red Hat for the distribution, Negroponte believes a sale price of $100 is attainable.
This announcement comes on the heels of a new approach to development economics. Economists and policy makers are recognizing the enormous benefits of technology in circumventing the poor infrastructure of poor countries. Providing cheaper access to laptops is one such measure. Another programme seeks to introduce

cheaper cell phones to entrepreneurs in Africa. Phillips has recently announced a plan to develop cell phones that can be sold for less than $20, which industry experts predict will double the number of subscribers. Currently, one in eleven Africans has access to a cell phone, while only one in 33 has access to a land line.

These developments point to a positive outcome for developing economies. According to a report from the London Business School, a rise of ten mobile phones per 100 people promote GDP growth by 0.6 percentage points. Cheaper cell phones will not only decrease the gap between the rich and the poor, but will enable better trade practices and knowledge of market prices, all of which may stimulate economic growth.

Recognizing the enormous benefits that technology can provide is pivotal to the growth of vulnerable nations. Programmes, like the $100 laptop and cheaper cell phone prices, have the potential to unleash the talents of millions of people worldwide and decrease the digital divide between rich and poor nations.