RE: "#35 posted by haineux":

"My note was intended for people who weren't familiar with the XO, however."

I found that much to be quite obvious upon my first read of above mentioned post. Which is why I clearly pointed out that those who are curious about it can find a wealth of information at the official site, including specs, features, and more.

"Some of them might be under the misconception that it is a general purpose laptop at a super-bargain price point."

And yet, on boingboing you can find a video of Doom being played on this same laptop. The same laptop that some have said isn't good enough for first person shooters. I'm sure geeks will find a number of original uses for this laptop, outside any real or perceived limitations brought forth by the OS originally shipped with it.

"I want them to understand that it's not intended for the typical first-world consumer market, and that the ASUS EEE is indeed a much better fit for that market, because the EEE has faster processors."

It's odd that, no matter the product, no matter the source, no matter the medium, everywhere I've ever seen a product being shipped with Linux, there's always someone who comes out against it and recommends or mentions somehow... Windows.

Clearly, I and many others don't want a system running Windows or anything Microsoft related. I like free and open multimedia/document formats. I don't want to be told what office or multimedia player I have to use because said stream content or format is closed. I don't want to feel dependent on an OS because of something like DirectX for gaming, when people can and should, IMO, develop for ALL platforms.

The OLPC is a breath of fresh air. Finally, a laptop being offered that does not come preloaded with Windows. Tell me, how many computer stores can you walk into and choose laptops for sale without Windows (or MacOS) pre-loaded? Walk into a dozen of them and ask about their Linux preloaded systems and watch the sales reps eyebrows do a dance, or stand back as they begin to do a few uncomfortable scratching motions in random locations. I am aware of laptops being sold with Linux, but none that have received this amount of publicity. How many television commercials have you seen for Linux vs. Windows or MacOS? Where is the marketing?

Future generations can and should be raised without buying into a closed computing experience. A big thank you to those who have made the OLPC possible.

In addition:

"Laptop With a Mission Widens Its Audience" with a video from David Pogue reviewing the laptop
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/04/technology/circuits/04pogue.html

See above in the article's video where they show the code (contents) of programs easily. Can you do the same with Windows?

I used bold in this post while I tipped my hat with a giggle and a grin.

Jesus...

Of all places in the world for this news article...

I'd rather have chickens and roosters for neighbors than people who peck at me with what they like and dislike about my lawn, yard, house, ETC.

Re: #27 "haineux":

"Two things you might wish to know about this "XO Computer""

The details are at the official OLPC website with features, photos, and more. I'm sure the official information at the official site is quite informative for those who wish to take a gander.

"The keyboard is weensy, and not very pleasant for touch typing."

IMO that shouldn't be a problem for most people who somehow manage to use their hands with all manner of cell phone buttons on a daily basis.

"The screen is also weensy."

But not as small as much of the screens available on the majority of the popular cell phones and PDA devices.

"The graphics system is NOT suitable for playing a first-person shooter"

That depends, what breed of FPS are we talking about here? FPS have been around for a long, long while. I'm sure there will be plenty of games, including FPS, which would play well on this CPU.

"Low power is very important for the XO, because many of the target children don't have reliable electricity."

Shouldn't we all be trying to use less electricity? I would think more enviro friendly devices would be in the best interest of us all, regardless of where we're at.

"Us "first world" geeks have electricity and wireless networking almost everywhere."

But why should we have to depend on electricity? And what about the current value of the dollar today, tomorrow, and on down the road? What if we face another depression? What then? I've noticed a lot of new devices with hand crank and solar recharge options lately, devices which, IMO, we should all start adopting for the sake of us, each other, and our environment.

"the EEE is a better computer for the money."

IMO, I respectfully disagree. The OLPC is better for the money for a number of reasons, including those mentioned on the official site.

"Also the EEE can run Windows, which is arguably a plus."

I don't see Windows as a plus at all. I use Linux and would rather see people introduced to the philosophy and reality of free and open (source).

"The OLPC initiative "XO" is not going to be your favorite laptop."

People are capable of deciding that for themselves. I'm quite certain it will be MY favorite laptop.