Neat features and application notes

I played around with the TamTam music applications, as well as the TurtleDraw application. TamTamJam is particularly neat, as a user can set up a sort of jam band using pre-defined loop patterns and a wide assortment of musical instruments and voices. TurtleDraw is a graphical Logo--I really want to see this used to draw something amazing. I can't wait to see what people can do it it.

The feed reader is neat, too, and will certainly come in handy when I take this to CES in January.

As shown in one of the videos, I tried out the Chat application, but I live in the boondocks and couldn't find any mesh network users. I look forward to using it in this way, though, as a sort of computer-based shortwave radio.

Final Thoughts

The XO is an incredible device which I believe can change the face of education forever. It's not only going to effect the lives of the "child under the banyan tree," the stereotypical/ideal child user targeted by the One Laptop Per Child program. As a future educator myself, I can see the potential this device has. The cooperative learning applications--almost all of the applications allow some kind of collaboration--are extremely useful in the modern classroom. Education theorists are abuzz with this type of learning, and the XO facilitates that con mucho gusto.

Detractors of the program object to it because they feel that the beneficiaries of the program would be better off getting $200 worth of food than getting a laptop. I disagree. $200 will feed them for a few months. A laptop and a few hours of instruction will allow them to learn how to make $200 on their own. It's the proverbial "Give a man a fish, feed him for a day; teach a man how to fish, feed him for a lifetime" strategy, in my opnion. Additionally, money, food, and supplies can be easily stolen. The XO cannot.

If you, generous reader, have yet to participate in the Give One Get One program, please consider doing so, especially if you have a child. $200 of the $400 donation is tax deductible, and you get a laptop which you can give to your child or grandchild.

Be on the lookout for more XO-related articles as I investigate it further!

Pros

• Battery life impeccable -- at least four hours, probably closer to five by my calculations
• Wireless mesh network can provide Internet just about anywhere
• Zero configuration wireless access
• Keyboard sized for kids
• Interface so well designed it doesn't need words (even though they are in tooltips)

Cons

• By design, keyboard far too small for extended adult usage
• Doesn't include flywheel or solar charger Wink

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