On Dec 30, 2007 10:57 AM, Josh Cogliati <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > 4. Educational laptop. All of the 'laptops' for > children that I see are less robust and only have > canned software (they are also on the order of $80).
Strongly agree here. The XO really should not be compared to other ruggedized laptop computers http://www.buytough.com/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=136 but rather to other educational devices http://espanol.leapfrog.com/view/site.page.basic/product/site.object.product/leaptopschool;jsessionid=5B882D8C68ED8E242D0DA12733E04FD6?ageGroup=preschool Any resemblance to an ultra tough, water proof, ultra portable, incredibly versatile, connect anywhere laptop computer is simply a coincidence attributable to that fact that the hardware has to be functional for kids. When put in this light, the XO may well be the most functional, best supported, most thoroughly documented, and most widely available educational device ever produced. I can't think of anything that even comes close except perhaps the basic pencil. Don't get me wrong, I have no problems with people using XO's to day trade stocks from the city park, document new insect species in Brazil, play Quake with a few friends, or strap into a Hero Jr. As long as they didn't steal the XO from a child. But those /other/ uses will occur without direct encouragement from OLPC. But the OLPC /is/ in a position to kill all of those uses -- by killing the supply of hardware. And that's exactly what they seem to be doing by terminating the availability of the XO. In just a few hours, the XO will become the best educational platform/laptop computer you *used to* be able to buy. -- Steve Holton [EMAIL PROTECTED]
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