XO - The $200 Laptop - Comments Page 1

Very cool! I don't think it looks like a toy and I'm usually the one that thinks Macs look like toys. I wrote these guys a while back when I first saw it a few months back asking if they'd be willing to send one for review or purchase. I hope they offer it again.

EDITOR'S NOTE: You can buy one NOW! See the link in the article for the "Give 1 Get 1" program.

At present Australia is in the throes of a Federal Election, and the promise of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) is to give every child attending private and public schools their very own computer until they complete their basic schooling.

Will have to wait until Saturday 24th November 2007 to see if this ambitious move can be attained

Update on computers for kids:
After winning the Federal Election on Saturday 24th November 2007, Australia's 9000 primary and secondary schools will be connected to the newer, faster broadband service and the new government (ALP) will also ensure that all of Australia's secondary students in years' 9 to 12 will have access to their own computer at school.

How can a retired teacher help in this cause to provide learning tools to children in need? I would love to be a part of such a worthy goal.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Click the "Give 1 Get 1" link the article...

I'm all for the cause, but I'm poor too, and I have three kids, that would benefit in this program. The problem is, I do not have $1200 to buy them, and poor kids from other countries, these laptops. So I guess we'll stick to going to the library to use the computer. My point is are they going to have a similar program to help poor kids of AMERICA?

hello just checking to see where I can buy one of these computer. my daughter is has dyslexia. she is 6 they recommend to buy her a computer and get the software that they need to help with dyslexia. she is in first grade and can not read. the school system in Alabama does not put dyslexia as a disability so they don't have to provide any services to her even under the no child left behind. just want to see if they are any way to buy one since they are cheap and more durable for children thanks

EDITOR'S NOTE: The XO laptop probably won't suit your needs, since it doesn't run the Windows operating system, and the software you need is almost certainly Windows-based. A low-end Dell, Gateway, or eMachines

desktop should work well for you.

i think this is a waste of effort and time this kids dont need computers they need food and clean water , lets start caring for our kids in the u.s instead of saving the world of people that hate us for this type of crap.

I think besides water, information is the next best thing. And since handing out laptops is a much longer term solution, I even prefer that over giving them water (although the cheap water pumps are also great).

http://www.thenakedscientists.com/HTML/content/interviews/interview/501/

My 9 year old son also has dyslexia and much trouble writing legibly and spelling; I want to get him a laptop too so he can type instead of write, and his evaluator also suggested the XO, but it sounds like that won't be the best for him. Any suggestions?

EDITOR'S NOTE: The main problem with the XO is that it won't run most popular Windows programs, since it's unix-based. He could use it to learn to keyboard, but a regular Windows-based laptop might be more useful for him.

The XO is a potent learning tool designed and built especially for children in developing countries, living in some of the most remote environments.

Sadly it looks like I can no longer buy one am I correct? And all my fellow Americans please remember our version of poverty is nothing compared to thiers.

Andie - Please remember that our version of poverty may be different, but no less important. Do you realize that in America the definition of poor means virtually homeless? I signed up for Medicaid with my daughter, and they informed me that I made too much money - working a just over minimum wage job. Needless to say, I had to cut my hours to fit their requirements because I could not afford to have her - it was an unexpected pregnancy.

American children suffer as well. So, if they are not going to implement this charity in America, they should not for other countries. I am tired of our monies going to other countries before our own. It is not that I do not care, or that I am unsympathetic to their plight. However, when you speak of "One laptop per child", why not in America? How many parents here can afford "one laptop per child"? I mean, seriously?

I am lucky that my situation has become better since my pregnancy, but how many mothers are still suffering from being abandoned with children to support on their own? Come on!

I am pleased to say that after further investigation I have found that they have approved the coverage to include American students in under-privileged areas. http://www.olpcnews.com/ - if the link becomes changed, you can search OLPC America for further information.