[iosn-general] Various alternative hardware access solutions from across the globe

[Fouad Riaz Bajwa]

Various alternative hardware access solutions from across the globe

By Fouad Bajwa, FOSS Advocate.

We have seen many projects for alternate hardware access being initiated
around the world as a means to reduce the Digital Divide and provide
humanity access to Information and Communication Technologies, and, in
particular with connectivity to the Internet to access an unlimited
potential of knowledge and online resources produced form around the globe.
I would like to point to a number of such initiatives taking place in
various parts of the world to benefit everyone:

OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) from USA       
The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) is an educational project targeted at
bringing a US$100 for the world's poorest children living in its most remote
environments. The OLPC XO laptop is believed to be a potent learning tool
and will help nations of the emerging world to leapfrog decades of
development—immediately transforming the content and quality of their
children's learning. The project aims at convincing and working with
governments of the developing world to buy OLPCs and distribute them to
their children. The laptop runs a custom developed open source operating
system called Sugar OS.  

OLPC Cost: 
The OLPC target price is US$100 per laptop but requires both Governments to
buy a certain high volume ranging from a million units at least. OLPC will
possibly also offer a gift programme that will be launched soon to gift two
laptops to children around the world. 

OLPC Website: 
http://www.laptop.org 


INK mPC - INK Mobile PC Affordable Computing For Everyone from Canada The
INK Mobile PC project is targeted at bringing affordable computing for
everyone especially to 4 out 5 people throughout the world whom have either
never before seen or accessed a computer. The INK project defers from the
OLPC project because it does not focus on only education but all segments of
life and does not require selling at least 1 million units after convincing
governments. Everyone from around the world from children to adults can
easily buy the laptops. The laptop will be equipped with open source
operating system. INK's technology and product design minimizes the three
main costs of computer ownership including hardware, software and after-sale
services and support. 

INK mPC Cost: 
INK is prepared to offer an internet ready laptop computer with that can
profitably be sold, without government subsidies, for well under $300 and
will possibly be available in small as well as large volumes through various
sales and distribution networks worldwide and in the developing world.

INK Media Website: 
http://www.ink-media.org


Simputer - Low cost portable alternative to PCs from India    
The Simputer is a low cost portable alternative to PCs, by which the
benefits of IT can reach the common man developed by PicoPeta Simputers Pvt
Ltd India. It has a special role in the third world because it ensures that
illiteracy is no longer a barrier to handling a computer. The key to
bridging the digital divide is to have shared devices that permit truly
simple and natural user interfaces based on sight, touch and audio. The
Simputer meets these demands through a browser for the Information Markup
Language (IML). IML has been created to provide a uniform experience to
users and to allow rapid development of solutions on any platform. An Amida
Simputer is also available for the retail market.

Simputer Cost: 
The projected cost of the Simputer is about Indian Rs. 9000 at large
volumes.

Simputer Website: 
http://www.simputer.org


Sirius - Low-Cost Handheld Computer from Pakistan Sirius is produced by Five
Rivers Technologies (Pvt.) Limited, Pakistan. It is a low-cost Handheld
computer that makes use of multiple, low consumption processors, a 128x64
monochrome backlit LCD screen, rechargeable batteries, a communications
capability to interface with other computers (PCs included), cell phones and
peripherals, zero moving parts and a full QWERTY keyboard. The device form
factor lies somewhere between a PDA and a sub notebook. Sirius is an open
platform for mobile solutions, uses a locally developed AlephOSp, provides
graphical user interfaces, serial communication with PCs or peripherals
supporting both English and Urdu languages to access E-books, set-up study
sessions, review for exams, E-Schooling for remote areas and numerous other
Industrial application.

Sirius Cost:
When production is done in volume, the price of the handheld computer may
drop anything in between Pakistani Rupees Rs. 5,000 per unit to Rs. 2000 per
unit.

Sirius Website:
http://www.fiveriverstech.com/sirius.htm
http://www.fiveriverstech.com/frt-sirius.pdf



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