XO 3.0

Low-cost (USD50) electronic tablet proves worth in Indian classroom

This makes Kindle Fire, Full Color 7" Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi (USD199) looks very expensive. OK, the Indian low cost tablet is more like a single function device, but so is Kindle Fire. :-)

XO-3 prototype tablet coming in 2010

One Laptop per Child program is downsizing

Cut staff by 50% and remaining will have a salary reduction.

Our technology initiatives will focus on:

1. Development of Generation 2.0
2. A no-cost connectivity program
3. A million digital books
4. Passing on the development of the Sugar Operating System to the community.

Is OLPC about learning? Apparently Not.

From ZDNet

Christopher Dawson reports that Ivan Krstić has an angry rant about OLPC, especially about running Windows on XO.

What strikes me is the following quote:

In fact, I quit when Nicholas told me — and not just me — that learning was never part of the mission. The mission was, in his mind, always getting as many laptops as possible out there…

I agree. So far, I have not seen any spectacular education/learning software developed on XO yet. (Correct me if I am wrong and point me some examples if you can.)

Christopher is right that no matter what has happened, XO has started an industrial wide for low cost market.

Hardware Review of XO laptop

If I were to make one general comment about the OLPC XO-1, it’s that its mechanical design is brilliant. It’s a fairly clean-sheet redesign of traditional notebook PC mechanics around the goal of survivability, serviceability, and robustness...

The post goes on to describe the design of the XO laptop.

9-yr Old Review of XO laptop

BBC reporter brought back an XO laptop and gave it to his 9-year old son for a review.

With no help from his Dad, he has learned far more about computers than he knew a couple of weeks ago, and the XO appears to be a more creative tool than the games consoles which occupy rather too much of his time.

Frankly, at the price of a game console (for 2, one is denoted to the needy), everyone should consider buying XO laptop to give to their children - as christmas present perhaps while helping the kids in the under-developed countries.

Review of XO laptop

XO laptop, aka $100 laptop which is now costing some $180, is reviewed by David Pogue at The New York Times.

Hey, XO may be a potential ebook reader killer!

More on Intel Vs OLPC

On one side, we have OLPC, with Sugar interface running a version of Linux supported by open source using AMD processors.

On the other side, we have Intel teams up with Asus offering $3 software bundle.

Is that a winner-take-all game? or both can survive and serve different clientele?

ASUS and Intel slaughters OLPC with Eee-ase

A bit more information is coming out about the Intel and Asus's $200 Laptop:

The ASUS Eee computer will cost a mere $199 for the 7″ LCD model whereas the so-called $100 OLPC costs $175. Given the fact that Eee can run Linux or Windows XP and it can boot off NAND flash memory in a mere 15 seconds, the Eee slaughters the OLPC with ease.

Intel, Asus Show Off $200 Laptop

...to provide an alternative to the One Laptop Per Child project, Intel announced plans on Tuesday to team up with Asustek to produce a notebook for developing countries that could cost as little as $200. The 'Eee PC' will be a full-featured low-end notebook, whereas the OLPC is more aimed at children. Intel has criticized the device in the past for being too simple, and not having enough functionality to even make it worthwhile.

While the specifics of the Intel Eee PC is unknown, whether it would be a good alternative depends on the software that is included!