Communications of the ACM
One Laptop Per Child Project Developing New Laptop Tablet Device
A pair of children using OLPC tablets.
Credit: Wired
The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project is developing a version of its XO device that will combine its existing laptop functionality with a full-fledged tablet mode.
Part laptop and part tablet, the new XO-4 Touch device will feature an energy-efficient, optical multitouch-capable screen. The screen will offer fast-scanning capabilities, a low-latency pen and brush sensors, and the ability to detect pressure.
"There is constant debate over laptops versus tablets in educational programs," says OLPC CEO Rodrigo Arboleda. "While maintaining our XO's award-winning design from Yves Behar's FuseProject, we have combined features of both devices to deliver dual benefits."
The XO laptop features flash storage rather than a hard disk drive and comes with thick plastic walls and a sunlight-usable display shielded by internal bumpers. The devices have two wireless 802.11 b/g antennas that can link to both ad-hoc networks and wireless access points, and a dust- and waterproof rubber keyboard.
The new XO-4 Touch could be released in the first quarter of 2013. OLPC also is developing more strategic partnerships with educational material developers to provide content for the devices.
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