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[Desktop computers]| Tuesday 5th August 2008 |
The PCs will be loosely based on Apple 2 machines, first unveiled over 30 years ago, and the team are actively recruiting enthusiasts of the retro computer to help with development.
The Apple 2 was the first mass-produced PC, which sold over 5 million units. It was extremely popular for educational use in the 80s, but is set to get a new lease on life.
Rather than a laptop, the unit will act as a desktop computer and plug directly into a standard television.
"We see this as a model that could increase economic opportunities for people in developing countries," says Derek Lomas, one of the researchers working on the project, speaking to the Boston Herald.
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The OLPC foundation released the low-cost XO laptop late last year with a mandate to teach children in third-world countries how to use computers.
The laptop was originally intended to cost just $100, but several incremental price-hikes saw this climb to $188.
The group has recently announced details of the second generation XO, which it claims will cost $75 at its launch in 2010.
Once production volumes increase this price could fall even further, with OLPC chairman, Nicholas Negroponte claiming: "To anticipate them costing $20 each is not out of the question."
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