The target recipient, a third-world child, will not mind a black & white screen, dial-up connection or limited memory. For many of these children and their families, electricity and running water are not an option.

That said, I still think investing in the OLPC give one, get one is a wonderful idea for a child’s Christmas gift or birthday gift. What better result from a new toy than to know a child somewhere else in the world gets a computer he or she would otherwise not have?

As for me, the solution to taking my computer on a camping trip is to invest in a weatherproof, shock resistant carrying case.

One major issue is that most other countries have a better cell phone system, more power for less cost to the consumer. This is because most countries did not invest in a huge land-line infrastructure.

If I understand the whole communication situation in this country, the large corporations, like AT&T, were supposed to use the fees we have been paying them (and the tax breaks they’ve enjoyed) to develop a wireless communication system.

Instead they have been taking the profits and devoting their efforts to finding ways to create a two-tiered Internet access system.

I will keep you posted if I do decide to purchase one of these laptops.

I had read about this, but hadn’t researched it. I love the idea; do you think the laptop would suit your needs? They seem like they are configured to work with child-sized hands. J.J., do you know any other folks who are trying them out for adult use?

Katie

Today OLPC is launching their give one, get one program. I’m thinking of trying this out, just because it is still my heart’s desire to go completely off the grid.

JJ Murphy