In the world of computing, the general rule is bigger, better and faster. Most technological advancements involve creating computers that run more system-intensive programs that produce dazzling graphics at blazingly fast speeds. However, a small group of entrepreneurs are charting a different path in computer development.

They’re trying to produce the cheapest computers on the planet.

The goal is to bring the benefits of computing to even the most disadvantaged children in the world. Most of these computers are for educational use. Their keyboards are designed to fit the small fingers of children, the casings are made of thick, shock-resistant plastic and the software is tailored to both entertain and teach. Most importantly, the computers are cheap so cash-strapped countries can afford them.

The pioneers of this movement are three MIT professors who started the non-profit organization “One Laptop per Child” (OLPC). The goal was to produce a laptop computer that was energy efficient, costs around $100, was aesthetically pleasing, had e-book functionality and used open-source technology. The result was the XO-1.

Released in November 2007, the XO-1 accomplishes most of these goals. By eliminating moving parts such as hard drives, CD/DVD-ROMS and fans, it is both resilient and energy efficient, consuming around two watts. A normal laptop uses between 10 and 45 watts. Its screen can be rotated to cover the keyboard so that it can be used as an e-book, similar to a Tablet PC.

The XO-1 also has WiFi capabilities that include wireless mesh networking. This means that if one XO-1 can connect to the Internet, then all the XO-1s in its range can also connect to the Internet. This can expand service to even the remotest locations. Since it is intended for use in areas without infrastructure, OLPC has teamed up with the company Potenco to provide pull-string generators for the laptops.

The major problem with the XO-1 is that is costs $180 to produce. However, prices will drop as technology progresses and more laptops are built.

The low-cost computing movement has even drawn in computer giant Intel. The result is the Classmate PC. The Classmate is functionally similar to the XO-1, but sacrifices some energy efficiency for greater power. Although it can use Linux, it’s designed for Windows. It also costs more, selling at around $250 per unit.

Although both OLPC and Intel are well-intentioned, it’s hard to see how their efforts will make a difference. Internet access has become a necessity in the developed world, where everything from finding directions to shopping can be done online. However, when basic necessities such as food, water, or medicine are not available, laptops seem more like a luxury. In fact, the biggest impact of low-cost computers may be seen in developing countries such as India and China.

In China, Sinomanic Co., Ltd and the Jiangsu Meglan Group are developing their own versions of the XO-1 and the Classmate PC. Both companies are using the Loongsun series CPUs, China’s alternative to Intel and AMD chips. The goal is to provide everyone in China with a PC.

Their efforts seem to be working. According to the China Internet Network Information Center, there are approximately 162 million Internet users in China, an increase of 31.7 percent from 2006. Although this growth has come primarily from wealthy Chinese, Sinomanic’s Tianhua GX-1C and the Jiangsu Meglan Group’s Longmeng laptops, at $250 and $131, respectively, have made personal computing more affordable.

The low-cost computing movement is closing the gap between rich and poor nations. The Information Age has made personal computing and Internet connectivity a necessity for competing with established countries and companies. Affordable laptops are overdue additions to the computing world.

[Reach columnist Mike Noon at opinion@thedaily.washington.edu.]