The XO Laptop
The XO Laptop, also known as the OLPC, is a product that aims to make computing affordable to kids everywhere. It has extremely low power requirements. The transformer it ships with produces 12V at 1.4A or about 17 Watts. This should be well within the capabilities of a medium sized solar panel or even an inefficient pedal powered generator.
Opening the XO
With a couple exceptions, everyone I asked to open the case had difficulty. The case lacks any good indicator aside from the antennas as to which side opens. Everyone looked at the battery compartment and most of them tried the latches. Most people assume the hinge is on the end away from the handle. I’ll spoil it and say that to get it open you flip up the antennas and pry the thin crack that opens up on the near edge. There are no obvious indentations for fingers and the whole process feels awkward.
Tags: laptop, olpc, xo