Art
Environment
| XOXO Laptop: Revolutionary Product |
| Written by Sanya | |
| 29 May 2008 | |
The ‘XOXO’ laptop (successor to the ‘XO’ laptop), part of the ‘One Laptop Per Child ’ project, is a folding tablet designed with two hinged touch screens. This enables the product to act as a book, a tablet, a board for games and as a laptop. Being smaller and lighter than its predecessor and the size of your average textbook, the XOXO is practical and easy to carry, particularly for youngsters. Designed for developing countries, this laptop will provide the children with learning opportunities that we take for granted. Wireless access to the web through the Linux operating system, a library of books and a fully integrated colour camera as well as being compatible with Windows, these laptops are groundbreaking and life changing for the Developing World. Quite frankly, I am tired of seeing egotistical design after egotistical design. Everybody seems too busy, trying to make the most “visually interesting” or “controversial” product, “cooler” and more “unique” than the next guy, that it really makes you wonder whether or not anyone gives a damn about people who really NEED products. Who NEEDS a chandelier made with Swarovski crystals? No one bloody needs one! If you’re going to design something to better the world, then I salute you because you are one in too many who has a heart. On the other hand, if you are all about the aesthetics and not the function, if your product is produced as a result of your ego, then piss off! . These laptops have truly been designed with the real world in mind, in considering everything from extreme weather conditions to technological issues such as local-language support. As a result the product is exceptionally durable, energy efficient, stupendously responsive, marvellously functional and fun. Although the original XO laptop pushed boundaries, the XOXO is far more radical. It is soon to be produced for $75 as oppose to $188 due to technological advances. The driving force behind the XO range of laptops, One Laptop Per Child (OLPC), are a non-profit organisation that are looking to revolutionize the way in which the children of the Third World learn. Providing them with extraordinary tools and, in effect, brighter futures. OLPC have worked indefatigably with industrial designer, Yves Behar to achieve a product that truly has the consumer in mind. Yves Behar , an established entrepreneur, designer, businessman and founder of ‘Fuseproject’ describes his basic philosophy of design: |
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