The $100 laptop: What went wrong - MSN Money

The $100 laptop: What went wrong - MSN Money: "I personally would love to see these laptops save the world, as some people have suggested they might. But those holding that opinion tend to view the world from the window of a five-star hotel.
In fact, this is a massive exercise in futility. And it's a shame."

No, not the happiest of Thanksgiving Day posts...but since technically it's not Turkey Day anymore, here it is! Besides, this is on target with a, ummmm...'discussion' I was having with Astro while we were out of town at a conference. Afraid I was on the same side largely as this writer Dvorak. I too think there are lots of other, better ways to spend the time, brainpower, chartible giving, and money that is going into this $100 PC project. Things that can make a more lasting difference in these developing countries. And how do you get around the fact that in most of these places the infrastructure is so poor? How does it help a village with no electricity, no running water, no reliable communication means to have laptops? Laptops that can only talk to each other (maybe!) and not to any greater network (because...well, see the point about 'no electricity'!)??