OLPC XO notebook review

updated 06:40 pm EST, Thu January 17, 2008

 

OLPC XO Notebook Review


The One Laptop Per Child project set out to create a system that could be used by children, even those who have never seen a computer before or may not even know how to read. With the system coming to North America through the recently-ended Give 1 Get 1 program, however, it also serves as a benchmark for low-cost computing and for the progress of Linux as a mainstream operating system. In our XO notebook review, we find out not just whether the $400 spent is worthwhile for the donation but also whether it can stand in as an ultra-budget alternative to a Mac or Windows portable.


By Electronista Staff

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education, computers, OLPC, Linux
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Previous Comments

  1. VValdo

    Dedicated MacNNer

    Joined: May 2001

    0

    What a strange review...

    Seems to be evaluating the XO as if it were meant to be usable for adults, competitive with other laptops widely available to Americans...

    W


  1. bhuot

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 2003

    0

    for little kids

    I have seen screenshots of what programs come with this and it definitely designed for little kids. This thing is too low powered to do anything useful.


  1. VValdo

    Dedicated MacNNer

    Joined: May 2001

    +1

    Well I mean...

    it's meant to be an educational tool.. a means to an end, not an end in itself. And as I have been reading, a major software/firmware update is on the way, even for those already deployed machines in the field (it will auto-update)...

    W


  1. nat

    Junior Member

    Joined: Mar 2002

    0

    wtf?

    an adult reviewing a child's tool like it was for an adult... hmmmmm....

    i got one of these, promptly gave it to 8 year old niece who took to it like conservatives take to being b*******. she loves it and has had no problems. i've only had to show her a few things but she's merrily doing all sorts of fun stuff.

    guess you have to drop your pre-expectations to really get into it.


  1. psdenno

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: May 2003

    0

    Just as.......

    ....a sharp stick is an alternative to a Swiss Army Knife, so is the XO an alternative to a Mac or PC.


  1. malax

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2006

    0

    a handy review

    There are people who wonder if it makes sense as a cheap "grown-up" laptop, so the perspective is perfectly reasonable in my opinion. Thanks for the review.


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