Reports like "$100 Laptop Close To Reality" started hitting my Google News feed a few days ago. Instead of jumping into the race to be early in posting this story, I decided to sit back and observer the various responses that showed up in other blogs. Keep in mind, that the original story focused on Professor Negroponte's announcement that a $100 laptop intended primarily for disadvantaged nations, would soon be a reality.
- Here are some of the stories that have included references (snips) to this story in just the last 12 hours:
- Dvorak Uncensored and Eideard : "It’s also designed to look and be utilitarian — instead of a fashion statement — which may hinder acceptance here in the States."
- DrAlb: "The implications for teacher education are significant...within a very few years, the cost of providing computers for every student will be effectively negligible and students currently preparing to be teachers may face a very different educational environment on graduation than existed when they left school or they experienced in their teacher education.
- Future Fast:"...has an AC adaptor for places where there is electricity and a hand crank for places without electricity (Hey, that would be nice on my laptop now!!)"
- Cynicism is the last refuge of the idealist: "I particularly like the way the device will utilise open source software rather than the evil, bug-ridden bloatware that infests far too many of the worlds' computers."
- TeleRead: Bring the E-Books Home: "I love the idea of the $100 MIT laptop computer, but think that laptops suck ergnomically."
- Ranier PR: "This story has been kicking around for more than a decade in various guises. In this instance Negroponte has impeccable credentials and may pull it off."
- diGit Blog: "The design is like that of a kids’ toy to ward off any potential adult buyers, but looking at it, I’d say it needed more yellow, blue and green to really ward them off."
- Francessa's Thinking: "Good intentions, no doubt, as the digital divide is widening. Hopefully, they will consider supporting and accompanying measures as well."
- Sean Fallon.com: "Even at $100, the computer is still too expensive for many developing countries. That is why the MIT team is planning on constantly tweaking the design to reduce costs."
- The New Republican: "I find this to be absolutely awesome! Of course, there is one downside: it will be run by Linux."
- goNZo Freakpower Brains Trust: "R&D saves the world again."
- Marcus Troiano: "Would I pay US$200 for a laptop/tablet hybrid that could be used in direct sunlight and that has a hand crank? I’m tying off the arteries in my left arm now—somebody give me a hacksaw"
- Gramarye: "What do you mean they won’t be for sale to individuals."
- Shadow Warrior: "negroponte, in my opinion, is a showman. i dont believe this initiative is really going anywhere, but gets lots of publicity."
- ENGL 108 Class Blog: "Well it is not an impressive laptop but you can get 10 minutes of power from winding it for a whole minute!...Woot for Google the new Walmart!"
Stories featuring this announcement are pouring into Technorati from around the world by the minute. It is amazing to see the responses, reactions, and personal extensions that so many individuals have contributed... Amazing! Parting shot: Would there be this level of interest in such a story if there were no blogs?