Last year there was a posting from Rebecca about MIT developing $100 Laptop computers to give more childen worldwide computer access. Is there any further info about this project. Is the actual product available and shipping out yet? If not what is the projected date for the first shipments?
If it's ready can we collectively work with Treasure Beach Foundation or any other non-profit org out there to get a large number of these in JA.
Here's the web site for the project: http://laptopfoundation.org/en/index.shtml
There's a page entitled 'Participate' which I unfortunately don't have time to read. Can some one provide a synopsis here, with special attention given to the possibility of getting them to Jamaica?
-Eric
Eric, I visited OLPC's website it seems that at this point they are accepting monetary donations via Google & Paypal; seeking voluntary technical development assistance; are applying and receiving the necessary operational governmental licenses; have 70 countries that have interest in having the laptops available in their countries(interestingly Jamaica has not sign up). It appears they are testing the laptops in certain countries( I think) but they are not yet available for worldwide distribution.
It appears that the Jamaican government would have to contact OLPC, via their website,and request to have Jamaica included in the list of countries wanting these laptops for their children. Once available they may be ordered in the minimum of $1000.00 orders(roughly 10 laptops that will have internet access). Maybe people residing in Jamaica(i.e. educators, politicians, residents, newspaper writers) could write,phone and visit the Minister of Education regarding this matter so that Jamaica can get on board on what will revolutionize education and communication for developing nations and the world.
Thank you for the link. I will add it to my favorites and continue to monitor it's development.