Still I have some questions about XO laptops in Birmingham.

Is the laptop intuitive enough that teachers will be able to use it, especially as it lacks documentation?

Can it integrate into the existing networks within the school system?

How will the schools use it? Can the schools integrate it into their curricula?

I think OLPC’s idea is a powerful one, but from what I’ve read and seen in other media, the last point the Economist makes is the most significant. Competition is unpleasant, but OLPC’s response (in particular Negroponte’s comments) could be unnerving for potential consumers.

I guess the Economist has not understood how disruptive the XO is. On the other hand it may be that they are afraid of disruptive technologies. It does unsettle the economics that would be valid in a given situation and forces them to learn new tricks.

The XO is a laptop that is built for children, who live in places that have no power, and minimal schools (as in open air schools). It is built to last, doesn’t require internet connection, and will spread the only available to connection to very large distances.

The capabilities it has cannot be found even in the most expensive laptops. Can you use your laptop to read in sunlight? Does it have enough battery to last 10 hours? Do you really need all that power that your laptop provides, if you don’t play games or watch movies? Wouldn’t you want to have these extra features? I would.

It clearly has its target audience and with that in mind the only issue I have with it is that the keyboard has small keys relative to a normal laptop keyboard. But, the computer wasn’t made for adults, it was made for kids.

The fact that it is made for kids is further enforced by the lack of documentation which I saw as a positive rather than a negative. Nothing will make a child learn how to use and take advantage of this computer’s capabilities than the lack of documentation. I saw it as an opportunity for the kids to define the use of the computer rather than the other way around.

After fooling with the OLPC computer for a few minutes I began to figure my way around and I must say the things I saw were very impressive. Self propagating mesh networking, educational tools, and a built in programing application all make this a winner in my book especially for the price.

I have had no dealings with the OLPC staff and I could imagine them being a little arrogant as most young energetic starry eyed professionals tend to be. But, arrogance or not, I think this computer is a winner and from what I can see this laptop (or future laptops that are much like this) will change the world. When kids in the poorest reaches of the world have Internet access and are able to program, I believe we will begin to see significant intellectual growth in those areas – which can only lead to improved economic status. Which is why I find the Economist’s pan of the OLPC unusual. Perhaps they really only focus on the US economy.