14 DAY TRIAL // One Laptop Per Child has been making strides in its effort to provide all children, especially those from poor countries, with access to modern forms of education. As its name implies, the organization aims to supply each child with a laptop and has been developing mobile PCs that stay within an affordable price range. One of the company's latest models, which has yet to debut, is the XO 1.5, a laptop that has just received approval from the FCC.
When making its PCs, OLPC designs them in such a way so as to integrate both functionality and reliability. Given that most target countries have harsh climate conditions, the mobile computers are built with features aimed at shielding them from such things as dust, heat and high humidity.
The organization outlined its roadmap for the 2010-2012 period back in December, when it revealed its plans for the XO 1.5, as well as two other laptops, the XO 1.75 and a new, revolutionary tablet-device concept. Back then, the company seemed intent on launching the XO 1.5 by January 10, but the device still has yet to make an appearance. This, however, seems ready to change, as the laptop has finally gained the FCC approval.
An FCC filing revealed that the upcoming device was equipped with 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi support, though other details are unavailable. Nevertheless, previous reports concerning this product hinted at its use of the VIA C7-M processor, 1GB of RAM, 4GB of storage space and a VIA chipset with a 3D graphics engine and HD video-encoding capabilities. In addition, the VIA C7-M processor was shown to be twice as powerful as the one used in the XO-1.
Unfortunately, the filing did not give out any information on the actual date when this device would be made available, but it did imply that the day would come soon. The price has not been mentioned, but the company's December 2009 announcement implied that it would cost about $200.