Colored Laptops

Until recently, when we heard about a cheap laptop, we normally thought of it as a second-hand or a lower quality laptop. We have been used to seeing laptops with price tags higher than a new low-end desktop PC. While it is understandable that prices for these devices reflect the level of research and development spent on these products, many felt it was a hindrance in promoting information technology to the rest of the world. This is especially the case for those who do not have access to computers or are hesitant to use large desktop PCs.

Then came the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative, which brought about considerable attention and demand for a cheap laptop.

It began with the idea to promote children’s education through information technology, especially in developing countries. Rather than giving away desktop computers that are not feasible in some parts of the developing world, the idea evolved to design a lightweight, cheap laptop that consumes minimal power but can perform basic operations and even surf the Internet. The XO-1 model was born, released in 2006 and, eventually, caught the world by storm.

Being a non-profit organization, the OLPC only released a limited number of the XO-1 laptops in the consumer market. The concept of a cheap laptop had already caught on the attention of the people and a demand for such products began to rise. One manufacturer that took advantage of this situation was ASUS, which released the EeePC model to the general public the following year. Other computer manufacturers followed suit with their own cheap laptop models to compete with EeePC.

The advent of the cheap laptop is an indication that there is a demand for affordable portable computing technology. Long thought of as a dream, we now see this dream becoming a reality, as the technology to make computers become more accessible and affordable is continually being developed. It also marks a return to basics with regards to computers, that a cheap device can still perform functions that a high-priced computer can do very well.

One company that benefited from the popularity of these laptops is Linux, the open source, free operating system that competes with the more dominant Microsoft Windows operating system. It created a much-needed move towards Linux as a more affordable and stable alternative. In response, Microsoft is creating a more affordable version of Windows especially for cheap laptop models.

With these continuing developments, some are hoping that this will jumpstart a new era in information technology and realize the goal of a world connected through information technology. Many are now optimistic that this goal will be achieved in a matter of time, thanks to the continuing growth of the market for cheap laptops.