$100 Laptop

This artist rendition released by the Massachusetts Intstitute of Technology (MIT) shows the proposed 100 USD laptop being developed by MIT engineers for the world's poor so they are not left behind in the digital age. Nicholas Negroponte, chairman and co-founder of MIT's Media Lab said five countries Brazil, China, Egypt, South Africa and Thailand are already putting plans in place to distribute some 15 million of the computers. The program is aimed primarily at elementary-school-age children. The laptops are expected to be ready for shipment by the end of 2006 or early 2007. The laptop will have a hand crank that would allow users to wind-up power when there is no electricity. PHOTO: AFP