Laptops for Kids. Two Computers for $399.

Posted on 10 30, 2007 under Stuff, Technology by reviewdad | View Comments

Kids love computers…and understandably so…they love them for the same reasons you do – they’re shiny, makes funny noises, have lots of blinking lights and let them do all kinds of cool things. If the computer hasn’t become central to your kids’ lives yet, it will soon.

And therein lies a dilemma for you:olpc-thumb

You know that computers and kids can be a great combination. They can help make learning fun, encourage self-expression, facilitate problem solving and over a lifetime help overcome barriers to entry into the global workforce. You also know that any delicate (and often temperamental) technology and kids can be a recipe for disaster or at least an expensive service call to Geek Squad.

Computers – especially laptops – were not designed with kids in mind. You don’t want sticky hands all over your nice glossy 15.4 screen and unless you own a Panasonic Toughbook, you’re pretty sure it won’t fare well in an “unplanned drop test.”

So what to do? You either designate an older machine as theirs, hope for the best and patch it back together after an “incident” or nervously hover over yours like a news chopper over a high-speed chase – where it goes you go. Bummer that nobody makes a “kidputer.”

A problem for sure but there are bigger… While we worry about what our kids will do with our computers, governments, NGOs and public policy people worry about what will happen to kids without computers. Their cause for concern is that as economies become ever more dependent on computing technology and technical skill, the HUGE technology gap out there between developed and developing countries will perpetuate histories of disadvantage and poverty.

Arguably, in attempting to solve for this problem, these people have larger barriers to overcome than you and I but in solving for computer availability and access, they may have simultaneously solved our problem also. See, they have developed a “kidputer.” Enter the XO Laptop you see above.

Recognizing both the need for and the challenges inherent in increasing access to computers, a bunch of very socially-minded overachievers set out build a machine that bridged the haves vs. the have-nots technology divide…and in a particularly marketing-savvy move, are giving you the opportunity to solve for your problem at home while helping them with their mission. They’re giving you a chance to buy two ruggidzed laptop computers for $400 – you get one and the other gets donated.

The One Laptop Per Child Foundation (OLPC) set out 5 years ago to develop an ultra-cheap, rugged, easy to use and maintain laptop designed specifically for kids and the way they interact and learn. The point of doing so was to get these laptops into the hands of as many of the world’s children as possible regardless of economic status, where they live or what kind of electrical and networking infrastructure is in place there.

The resulting machine – the XO Laptop – promises to be a wonder of simplicity, open source goodness (and good will) and to aid the spread of technological acumen to the farthest reaches of the planet.

Running a version of Red Hat’s Fedora Linux OS, it includes a web browser, document viewer, open source wordprocessor, RSS reader, email client, chat client and multimedia program that covers music, video, graphics functions. It also includes an innovative wiki-based journal.

one-laptop-per-child_58
All this comes packaged in a pint-sized, rugged, reinforced and kid-proofed portable sporting a 7″ TFT high-resolution screen (with outdoor viewing mode!), sealed keyboard, rabbit-ear wi-fi antennae, a built-in web cam and mic, all the requisite slots and perhaps most enviably for us road-warriors, a hand crank to juice the thing up!

If you’re thinking, “heck, this sounds like it was designed for me!” then you’re not alone but the XO has many features that make it particularly perfect for smaller and sometimes fumbling hands. It sports a chunky handle, is waterproof, can survive a 3 foot drop, converts to a tablet-like (no touch screen) game player and its guts are streamlined and simplified such that it should stand up to just about anything your munchkins can dish out.

Though we haven’t tested the XO yet (be assured, a request has been submitted), the XO’s specs seem to give it real cred having been designed by some very smart people and civic-minded companies. At $199, it may very well change the world. OLPC’s goal is to, over time through economies of scale, reduce the unit cost to $100. Now that would change the world!

The deal is this – for a limited time, beginning November 12 through OLPC’s Buy 1 Get 1 Program, $399 buys an XO laptop for your kids and one for a child in a developing country. Smartly, this is the only way US consumers can get their hands on an XO Laptop. To get yours, just go here. And feel good all around!

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  • The web site doesn\'t tell you anything about that part. There\'s a lot of touchy-feely stuff about the organization and children across the world, and the computer\'s design and specs; but nothing relative to customer support. Granted, I understand that some poor child living in a hut isn\'t going to be dialing up 24/7 customer support centers, but service/warranty will be an issue for me when there\'s a technical problem and I\'ve got a disappointed kid at home trying to use his laptop.
  • Recognizing both the need for and the challenges inherent in increasing access to computers, a bunch of very socially-minded overachievers set out build a machine that bridged the haves vs. the have-nots technology divide…and in a particularly marketing-savvy move, are giving you the opportunity to solve for your problem at home while helping them with their mission..
  • I understand that some poor child living in a hut isn\'t going to be dialing up 24/7 customer support centers, but service/warranty will be an issue for me when there\'s a technical problem and I\'ve got a disappointed kid at home trying to use his laptop.
  • Thanks for sharing such a valuable information with us. Well I believe that their cause for concern is that as economies become ever more dependent on computing technology and technical skill, the HUGE technology gap out there between developed and developing countries will perpetuate histories of disadvantage and poverty.
  • A sure hit as gift for children especially this coming holiday season.
  • Computers are both for the kids and the adults. The difference is the usage. Kids are more to gaming and school research, while the olds are surfing, business and sometimes adult games. There should be a computer designed for kids only in order to shun any untoward damage to costly laptops.
  • I understand that some poor child living in a hut isn\'t going to be dialing up 24/7 customer support centers, but service/warranty will be an issue for me when there\'s a technical problem and I\'ve got a disappointed kid at home trying to use his laptop.
  • Care to explain?
  • At $199, it may very well change the world. OLPC’s goal is to, over time through economies of scale, reduce the unit cost to $100. Now that would change the world!
  • Again, I applaud the mission. I\'d just like more details. It also seems like they\'ve got some competitors in this market, one of them being the Asustek Eee PC which is supposed to be available to the general public at Best Buy and Newegg very soon--but you can\'t get the $199 model. That\'s just for big contract purposes.
  • sammiha
    a bunch of very socially-minded overachievers set out build a machine that bridged the haves vs. the have-nots technology divide…and in a particularly marketing-savvy move, are giving you the opportunity to solve for your problem at home while helping them with their mission.
    holiday to portugal
  • Granted, I understand that some poor child living in a hut isn\'t going to be dialing up 24/7 customer support centers, but service/warranty will be an issue for me when there\'s a technical problem and I\'ve got a disappointed kid at home trying to use his laptop.
  • Again, I applaud the mission. I\'d just like more details. It also seems like they\'ve got some competitors in this market, one of them being the Asustek Eee PC which is supposed to be available to the general public at Best Buy and Newegg very soon--but you can\'t get the $199 model. That\'s just for big contract purposes.
  • I understand that some poor child living in a hut isn\'t going to be dialing up 24/7 customer support centers, but service/warranty will be an issue for me when there\'s a technical problem and I\'ve got a disappointed kid at home trying to use his laptop.
  • Cool looking, very useful and very reasonably priced as well. What's even better is that I've heard that it's price has already went down! Definitely gonna buy a pair for my two kids.
  • Arguably, in attempting to solve for this problem, these people have larger barriers to overcome than you and I but in solving for computer availability and access, they may have simultaneously solved our problem also. See, they have developed a “kidputer.” Enter the XO Laptop you see above.
  • Recognizing both the need for and the challenges inherent in increasing access to computers, a bunch of very socially-minded overachievers set out build a machine that bridged the haves vs. the have-nots technology divide…and in a particularly marketing-savvy move, are giving you the opportunity to solve for your problem at home while helping them with their mission.
  • Arguably, in attempting to solve for this problem, these people have larger barriers to overcome than you and I but in solving for computer availability and access, they may have simultaneously solved our problem also. See, they have developed a “kidputer.” Enter the XO Laptop you see above.
  • Granted, I understand that some poor child living in a hut isn\'t going to be dialing up 24/7 customer support centers, but service/warranty will be an issue for me when there\'s a technical problem and I\'ve got a disappointed kid at home trying to use his laptop.Amazing! That laptop is a must buy.
  • For it is easier to bring this kind of laptop anywhere. You can easily move with this laptop.You can use it while walking or jogging.Granted, I understand that some poor child living in a hut isn\'t going to be dialing up 24/7 customer support centers, but service/warranty will be an issue for me when there\'s a technical problem and I\'ve got a disappointed kid at home trying to use his laptop.
  • Great
    thanks
  • Maybe they\'re banking on it being SO simple (look at the inside pics on their site) that if there\'s a need for repair, it\'ll be something Geek Squad (or equivalent service) can easily handle. OR that at $199, we\'ve now seen, like with disposable camcorders, the emergence of the \"throw away\" PC
  • Those look so cool.. and are definitely the best things you can get for your kids. I definitely am gonna get a pair for my kids!
  • The laptops look sleek !
  • At $199, i feel it's a bit expensive ! I would rather buy a PSP new edition :)
  • But they both are 2 different things ;)
  • Cool looking, very useful and very reasonably priced as well. What's even better is that I've heard that it's price has already went down! Definitely gonna buy a pair for my two kids.
  • Again, I applaud the mission. I'd just like more details. It also seems like they've got some competitors in this market, one of them being the Asustek Eee PC which is supposed to be available to the general public at Best Buy and Newegg very soon--but you can't get the $199 model. That's just for big contract purposes.
  • So many competitors but then again, being price-friendly still matters. I'd rather go for gifts that can contribute to the healthy lifestyles of kids.
  • This laptop is a must buy. For it is easier to bring this kind of laptop anywhere. You can easily move with this laptop.You can use it while walking or jogging.
  • Amazing! That laptop is a must buy. I would like to buy one for my child, but first I have to loan in the bank to have enough money, for I bought something that cost me too much.
  • Cool looking, very useful and very reasonably priced as well. What's even better is that I've heard that it's price has already went down! Definitely gonna buy a pair for my two kids.
  • Joyce
    Do you have a user guide for the XO laptops
  • PeteP
    Maybe they\'re banking on it being SO simple (look at the inside pics on their site) that if there\'s a need for repair, it\'ll be something Geek Squad (or equivalent service) can easily handle. OR that at $199, we\'ve now seen, like with disposable camcorders, the emergence of the \"throw away\" PC
  • wahoodad
    Check out this article.

    http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2007/10/25/group_seeks_buyers_for_low_cost_laptops/

    I love the concept, but I\'m a little concerned about the after donation/purchase support with the Give One Get One. The web site doesn\'t tell you anything about that part. There\'s a lot of touchy-feely stuff about the organization and children across the world, and the computer\'s design and specs; but nothing relative to customer support. Granted, I understand that some poor child living in a hut isn\'t going to be dialing up 24/7 customer support centers, but service/warranty will be an issue for me when there\'s a technical problem and I\'ve got a disappointed kid at home trying to use his laptop.

    Again, I applaud the mission. I\'d just like more details. It also seems like they\'ve got some competitors in this market, one of them being the Asustek Eee PC which is supposed to be available to the general public at Best Buy and Newegg very soon--but you can\'t get the $199 model. That\'s just for big contract purposes.

    In the end, we\'ll probably end up going through with the OLPC XO; but look before you leap.
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