The impact of such a thing can't be overestimated. If I need to pick the technology that will shape the next century for third world nations, this has to be it. And the fact that the World Bank shows no interest is a big part of that. Instead of sucking from a rather oppresive teat, developing nations can use small investments to get an industrial base- and as the technology develops, we'll start seeing an impact in the so-called First World too- imagine what happens when those hippie communes invest in one of these babies. When the price drops within the realm of an individual's capacity (and really- $20k isn't too far out for something like this anyway), imagine what happens when the off grid folks get their hands on these.
The industrial complex collapses like a flan in a cupboard. Maybe my martini is making me over optimistic, but I think this is big shit.
Meanwhile:have a chuckle
