The cost of a single OLPC unit is far less than the cost of three or four years’ worth of books they need for school.

Please note that the OLPC screen has two modes: in one, it is a color computer screen. In the other, it is a power-saving “electronic ink” device, similar to the Amazon-hyped Kindle thingie.

The main OLPC problem isn’t design or its intended use. It’s in its flawed marketing program, which is run by engineers, not marketers, and they have trouble communicating ideas that seem so obvious to them that, by their lights, they don’t need to be mentioned at all.

I remain very optimistic that we can make it work- if we try.

I agree with my boss’s point: Why does this have to be either or? We should demand adequate settings, teachers and equipment for all students, around the world. But we should never turn our backs on providing one because the others are not yet in place. Such excuses provide cover for those who would provide our world’s children with nothing.

And, yes, from what I understand, you can recharge the laptop’s battery with a hand-crank. I’ve joked that I’ll be using my kids’ XO to update OJR when the Big One hits SoCal.

But I do agree with you. We sometimes forget the reality of the situation in these developing countries. I’m originally from Bangladesh, and I know that access to technology or the internet is pretty low down on the list of priorities for the really poor. As you said, clean water, improved health, shelter, a free and fair democracy etc are all far more important. However, I still believe that this is a good initiative. If the laptop can help bring new perspectives and new world views to people who currently have very sheltered or controlled access to information, this is potentially very powerful. I’ll be buying one for someone back home.

On the other hand some traditional news organisations depended heavily on government funding thereby compromising their credibility.

As for the Cheap Laptops in developing countries- I am still waiting to see how a primary school pupil who has no uniform, chair to seat in the class, food in his stomach and faced with other miriad of problems would use a laptop effectively. By the way in some African Countries there is just no electricity to run the systems. TOO BAD! We sure need to face the realities of each society and generation.

Shafqat