The MIT $100 Laptop

And what a sight it is. What if you could get a computer for $100? Not just a computer, but a laptop. Looking at pictures, this thing looks pretty awesome. What are it's advantages? Well, duh, it's $100. But what else...

It uses Linux! Not only is it cheap, but it's penguintastic! (I think I just made up that word)

But what are the laptop stats?

• It runs Linux :-)
  
• 500 MHz
  
• 1 GB Flash Memory (as a HD replacement)
• Dual mode display - Color and B&W
• Intergrated WiFi with "Mesh Networking"
  
• 4 USB Ports
• Windup crank, AC, or Battery power
• It runs Linux :-)
  

To quote CNet:

The machines, which will run a version of the Linux operating system, will also include other applications, some developed by MIT researchers, as well as country-specific software. "Software has gotten too fat and unreliable, so we started with Linux," he said.

And how right they are.

Could this be the future of portable computing? I think so. Eventually as computer manufacturing costs fall, we may see more of these. Seriously - give it a few years and we may start seeing these things at Wal-Mart for $30. Heck, traditional laptops may loose popularity among people who just want a portable device for browsing and email on the go.

CNet Article

"This is open-source education. It's a big issue."

Tech Tags: linux laptop $100 $100 laptop 100 laptop