$100 laptop begins production

The mass production of the so-called $ 100 laptop has started, five years after the idea was first proposed.
Quanta computer manufacturer has begun to build low-cost laptop in a factory in Changshu, China.
One Laptop per Child (OLPC), the group behind the project, said that children in developing countries have begun to receive the machines this month
Last month, OLPC has received his first official order of 100000 machines by the government of Uruguay.
"Today represents an important milestone in the evolution of the One Laptop per Child project," said Nicholas Negroponte, founder of OLPC.
The organisation had reached the critical stage, in spite of all the naysayers, "he said.

Price hike  
From Professor Negroponte first put forward the idea of distributing low-cost laptop for children in developing countries in 2002, the plan has been both praised and derided.

Intel Chairman Craig Barret described the XO portable, as the machine is known as a "$ 100 gadget", while Microsoft founder Bill Gates questioned the lack of hard disk and small screen. "
Other critics have questioned the need for the laptop in countries which, it was said, had more pressing needs such as sanitation and health.

But Professor Negroponte has always maintained that the project is not about education technology.  However, the green and white XO machines pack a series of innovations that make them suitable for use in remote and hostile environment.

The camera has no moving parts and can be easily maintained. It has a sunlight-readable display that allows children to use outside, especially for areas with little access to electricity, ultra-low power and can be charged from a variety of devices including solar panels.  Although OLPC finally plan to sell the machines for $ 100 or less, the current price is $ 188 (£ 93).