The Rugged Notebooks Blog™

Below is an excerpt from a press release last month regarding the news that Intel will be joining forces with the “One Laptop Per Child” program. This is significant not only from the philanthropic aspects, but as further proof that “rugged”, yet “inexpensive” technology can be a reality.

The Rugged Notebooks Blog is researching for a more complete update regarding this particular initiative to provide an affordable product to meet the demands of emerging markets. This should have an influence on the future of extreme computing and remote access to wireless networks. There are several R&D models attempting to provide laptops in the $100-250 range that will stand up to everyday abuse in and out of classrooms, initially in third world countries.

07-13-07 CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Intel and One Laptop per Child (OLPC) today announced they have agreed to work together to bring the benefits of technology to the developing world through synergy of their respective programs. Under the agreement, Intel and OLPC will explore collaborations involving technology and educational content. Intel will also join the board of OLPC.

OLPC is based on constructionist theories of learning pioneered by Seymour Papert and later Alan Kay, as well as the principles expressed in Nicholas Negroponte’s Being Digital. The corporate members are AMD, Brightstar, Chi Lin, eBay, Google, Intel, Marvell, News Corporation, Nortel Networks, Quanta Computer, Red Hat and SES Astra. More information is available at www.laptop.org///

For a view of the controversy and prior hard feelings between OLPC and Intel, and before the recent agreed to partnership, read the article at profy.com by Phil Butler.

Rugged Notebooks: Extreme Computers for Extreme Conditions™