Pedal-Powered Computer

They give substandard equipment to developing nations, and the governments get fed up with being treated like children.

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.

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

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.

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.