Pedal-Powered Computer

1. Edward
   October 13th, 2009 at 9:52 am

   It is a pity that the clockwork, hand-cranked generator did not work. I believe that the limiting factor for one-laptop-per-child will be one-generator-per-village.

2. Ant Dude
   October 13th, 2009 at 10:50 am

   Gilligan's Island!

3. Elagie
   October 13th, 2009 at 10:53 am

   Hey, I think this should probably be standard equipment for all computers...we can multitask and get in shape while we surf!

4. Matt
   October 13th, 2009 at 12:39 pm

   Developed nations have tried this kind of thing before. They give substandard equipment to developing nations, and the governments get fed up with being treated like children. These countries want to become rich like us, and they know that they wont meet that goal with this kind of technology.

5. Jan
   October 13th, 2009 at 1:45 pm

   Widely available pedal powered sewing machines will be a better solution. Just attach an electric generator instead of the sewing machine.

   I have used such a sewing machine by myself, and it beats a hometrainer easily.

   One can actually do productive work - like sewing or in this case computing - while powering it.

   And it still doubles as a sewing machine! Beat that!

   Search Google for

   pedal sewing machine

   for more info.

   Jan, Germany

6. OddNumber
   October 13th, 2009 at 3:43 pm

   Matt - I think you might have missed the point of the One Laptop Per Child project (http://www.laptop.org/en/). It is a program to bring computers to the most remote regions of the world for the purpose of education. In an attempt to reach as many children as possible, costs have to be kept to a minimal. A laptop where you have to pedal is better than no laptop at all.

7. dutchboy
   October 13th, 2009 at 4:45 pm

   Maybe we should try bringing in electricity and then the laptops.

8. Fraser
   October 13th, 2009 at 4:49 pm

   Great idea, but the placement of that chain is a testicular injury waiting to happen.

9. Lady Helena Handbasket
   October 13th, 2009 at 5:22 pm

   If I had one of these either my kids would be fitter or they would play computer games less. Either would be nice.

10. Christophe
    October 13th, 2009 at 11:17 pm

    I bet there is a US market for this contraption!

11. kaolin fire
    October 14th, 2009 at 1:42 am

    I've wanted a nice pedal/exercise thing for under my desk for ages =)

    Kind of looks like they took an old sewing-machine frame... which sounds like a genius idea.

12. Alez
    October 14th, 2009 at 12:20 pm

    The OLPC is a fantastic project. This is unacceptable. The idea that "substandard laptops are better than no laptops at all!" is a false argument. These laptops have a flaw and it needs to be addressed by OLPC.

    Not only is this a ridiculous solution and a huge distraction; we would be loathe to accept this kind of equipment for our own kids. Why should it be acceptable for anyone else's child? Schools deserve tools that actually work, wherever they are.

    An "at least they get to exorcise!" sentiment is roll-your-eyes worthy.

13. Shae
    October 14th, 2009 at 3:11 pm

    WE need this for the little fatties we have here in the States.

14. gibson8or
    October 16th, 2009 at 11:21 pm

    It's not a problem with the tools, it's a problem with the infrastructure. The laptops work fine, but there is no battery on earth, even in developed nations, that lasts indefinitely. The issue is that billions of people are living without regular access to electricity (and clean food, water, medicine, etc.), not that the laptop program has flaws.

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