technology

A Next-Generation e-Book Device for Children

Back in later months of 2007, the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) foundation announced a very impressive initiative to push the low-cost but extremely innovative XO laptop for children in countries with very little access to technology.  Some of us were actually involved with the purchase of this laptop when the OLPC announced its Give 1, Get 1 program.  Essentially I purchased one for my family and they shipped another one to a child in one of the countries that the OLPC is working with to introduce these laptops.

While the laptop is not very adult-friendly, it is quite intuitive for children to use, and rough up for that matter.  There are many other great qualities of this laptop that I won’t get into but the idea that it was the first laptop that was really made for the world, its diverse environments or living conditions, and for children to learn from –  made it a worthwhile initiative to check out and support.

Yesterday, the founder of OLPC, Nicholas Negroponte, has announced a first look at the XO-2.  While it is still a laptop, many people are already seeing it as very much an e-book device.  There aren’t a lot of details concerning the XO-2 so far, but what has been revealed is that it will include dual touch screens, the ability to act as an e-book reader (with more of a resemblance to a book), and as a next-generation laptop.  The objective again is to focus on children and learning.  Some websites are reporting that the XO-2 will be able to hold 500 e-books.  The OLPC definitely has its work cut out for them as they are reported to have set the goal of making this laptop cost a mere $75.  Perhaps it will be doable by 2010 but regardless of that — it is a worthy goal to strive towards by turning what is technically a luxury, into a universal low-cost affordable device.  That said, the XO-2, just like the XO laptop, is still meant for children around the world.

So how do we fit into the picture?  We publish books.  The printed book will not disappear despite what people continue to suggest so those who love their paperbacks and hardcovers need not fear.  The primary difference is that the content inside and outside the book is evolving as people look for a connection that is beyond what we consider today as a book.  With alternative ways arriving to read a book, whether it may be a cell phone, a PDA, an e-book reader, or a laptop — the way we interact (i.e. learn, read, feel, etc.) with what’s inside a book changes and what is considered to be a book in some sense is being redefined.

© 2008 Defining Canada.