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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.
What a strange review...
01/17, 07:25pm reply
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
VValdo
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: May 2001
for little kids
01/17, 08:49pm reply
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.
bhuot
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2003
Well I mean...
01/17, 09:05pm reply
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
VValdo
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: May 2001
wtf?
01/17, 10:44pm reply
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.
nat
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Just as.......
01/18, 11:07am reply
....a sharp stick is an alternative to a Swiss Army Knife, so is the XO an alternative to a Mac or PC.
psdenno
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2003
a handy review
01/18, 12:39pm reply
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.
malax
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2006