New OLPC tablet could feature solar panel, satellite internet access

OLPC (One laptop per child) is a global organization dedicated to make the kids of third world countries computer literate. As part of this noble effort, the new tablet from OLPC will reportedly cost $100. Although it is not new for tablets to cost $100 (lot of Chinese cheap tablets cost less than that), the OLPC tablet will offers some unique features particularly help in places where electricity and internet supplies are inconsistent.

The OLPC XO-3 as it is called is expected to offer a special rubber cover for the tablet which could integrate a solar panel for charging the tablet, a satellite internet modem and support for an external keyboard. The solar panel will help charge the tablet wherever it is difficult to get electricity, like travelling in remote or backward places devoid of electricity. Same goes for the satellite internet which will help you stay connected in those places, although presently satellite internet connection tends to be very expensive.

Apart from these, the XO-03 will sport a camera, USB port, and headphone jack and an ARM-based processor and an undisclosed version of Android.

OLPC has always been successful in creating a niche for its products. There are the Classmate PCs that give the students decent specs, enough for various schoolworks, at a cheap price. Most of its computer designs are focused on landscape and facilities available in the third world countries. For example, there was a PC employed in Afganistan that comes with a table fitted with wheel and pedals so that one can charge the PC by rotating the wheel with both the legs.

Full specs, availability and final pricing are not confirmed yet.

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