On Tuesday 17 January 2006 4:26 pm, Abhishek Daga wrote:
If u think of a $100 laptop and GNU software as a universal tool for economic activity u can imagine the multiplier effect it has on economies. Mark has truly grasped the GNU philosophy and realised how universal a tool a pc and good software is.
Just need some cheap/reliable/available way to power up these laptops.
:)
If this combination of laptop+gnuware+telecom has to really make a positive impact in the most underdeveloped regions of the developing nations we need electricity to run these laptops which is unfortunately more off than on.
It is supposed to have a hand cranked generator. Also another SAfrican sells a hand generator which is quite a rage with the rucksackers.
But I am sure there is someone out there who has figured out a way to charge these using solar energy.
Not useful in overcast conditions.
Ofcourse I am not talking about giant solar panels or even medium ones. But something designed specifically to make these devices run.
Actually panels are very expensive @Rs.500/W. A steam engine powered by the waste heat from the chulla should do fine.
I remember reading about a basic manual charger for cellphones designed at IIT.