OLPC Laptop Bag Prototype 1 (1352 Views)

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  Step 1 of 17

  We are so excited to announce our new friendship with OLPC- One Laptop Per Child project. Lauren Klein came in to the labs and shared the experience of the OLPC laptop with us. This specially designed laptop is meant to provide children all around the world the opportunity to explore and learn and grow. It costs only $100, while the education they receive is invaluable. We're so lucky to be asked to create a special How To for making a laptop case for these computers. One that can be translated easily into different languages, understood by children between 9 and 13 years old, and also made by them! So heres the deal. I've made some prototypes. I had the opportunity to play with the laptop a bit, took some measurements, and weighed it. The dimensions are: 242 mm X 228 mm X 30 mm. It weighs less than 1.5 kg. The rest of the specifications can be found here. I made some small scale prototypes and 2 full scale. You can learn how to make one of them from this how to. And if you want to get more involved, you can also help us come up with other options for the bag!

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  Step 2 of 17

  This is my favorite idea! This is a simple bag that can be converted from a tote-like bag to a backpack. It has holes in which straps are pulled through the top of the bag or these straps can be adjusted and pulled out the side to allow little arms to squiggle through and carry.

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  Step 3 of 17

  This is simply a long piece of fabric folded twice and tied at the sides. There is a strap that is inserted on both sides and pulled through the top to be carried like a messenger bag.

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  Step 4 of 17

  This bag is sewn at the sides and held by a long strap that supports the base of the bag and pulls through the top for carrying.

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  Step 5 of 17

  This drawstring pouch is also quite easy, but would not be as easy to carry. It could be used for carrying the power cord that comes with the laptop.

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  Step 6 of 17

  The measurements are done in the metric system to ensure accuracy, as most children will know only that. And for measurements, the children might be able to use a new program available only on this laptop, the Ruler. This program puts an actual size measuring reference on the screen.

  Now, on to making my favorite idea. I cut a piece of muslin that is 68 cm X 46 cm. This is then folded in half, lengthwise. In the middle is my paper mock-up of the laptop.

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  Step 7 of 17

  Fold the side in 11.5 cm and mark the following points (8 cm from bottom fold, 14 cm from top). Cut a slit into the fold about 2 cm wide. Do this on both sides.

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  Step 8 of 17

  Insert a piece of cord about 40 cm long through the bottom hole you've just made and pull it through the top. Without pulling it, tie it and trim the ends. This will be a sort of barrier to prevent the laptop from falling out the side.

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  Step 9 of 17

  Now, measure out 5 cm from the bottom hole. Mark a point. Mark a line straight up from here. From the top, measure down 5 cm and mark, then 8 cm and mark. Fold along this line and cut 2 cm slits like you just did.

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  Step 10 of 17

  Now, I've made 152 cm long straps by folding muslin. We don't know yet what the straps can be made of, but this gives an idea. To illustrate the process, I've used a cord but you will see the muslin straps in the final shot.

  Insert the cord through the bottom hole.

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  Step 11 of 17

  Using the idea of weaving and the strength of knots, both ends of the cord will go through the top two holes to create one long loop on both sides and a shorter loop at the top for extra support. They will both come out of the top loop and tie to create a strap.

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  Step 12 of 17

  The bag should look like this on both sides when done. The side seams are created from the straps, and there is no sewing. (I'd like to note the problem with this technique in any fabric that isn’t felt- holes may not withstand constant pressure from straps. You can see here the muslin already starting to fray.)

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  Step 13 of 17

  Now here is the coolest part about this bag. By pulling on those long loops along the side, you can convert this bag into a backpack. (I especially like the idea of a backpack because it is a style that both boys and girls can carry. We also have to make sure these bags can be worn by both!)

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  Step 14 of 17

  There you have it! My first idea for this awesome project! Let me know what you think, and lets see what else we can come up with. Also— just a note— I plan on using mostly pictures for the How To the children will receive. So some feedback about the steps that need to be better illustrated would be great, too!

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  Step 15 of 17

  Our model is a doll I made when I was about 14. It's a little version of me. She's sporting this prototype as both a backpack and a shoulder bag.

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  Step 16 of 17

  Here she is again, carrying the messenger bag style.

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  Step 17 of 17

  And again, carrying the tote bag version.