Need a good computer for under $400?

I've ordered my new XO computer. It was less than $400, and that included my donation of an identical computer to a kid in Rwanda or Haiti or Cambodia. When the power goes out again for 48 hours, I'll be sitting pretty because this sucker has a hand-crank. I can set up a mesh network without using the "real" internet, if I like. It looks like I might be able to drop this computer a couple of times, and it won't notice.
It will have linux OS, I think, but I've been using more and more Web 2.0 apps or open source apps like NeoOffice (OpenOffice) that have free linux versions.
For the price, I think any parent in the USA that is not on a subsistence budget should immediately buy one of these for their child.

Share and play with friends.
Once you receive your XO laptop, you will begin to discover all the features that make it so remarkable. One of the most ingenious features of the XO laptop is its ability to create a "mesh" network. The little green antennae "ears" serve to automatically connect the XO with other XO laptops in the vicinity. What this means is that if your child has friends nearby that also have XO laptops, the children can chat, play and share information freely and safely, with or without an internet connection. If you would like to let other parents know about the XO laptop and Give One Get One, you can not only greatly increase your child's enjoyment of the XO laptop, but also help us further our mission.

Source: p.p0.com

Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn bought three and will donate them to Illinois third-graders

The XO laptop is a compact, durable, energy-efficient machine created especially for children living in the most remote environments to enjoy laptop learning at its best.  With partners including AMD, eBay, Google and Intel, One Laptop Per Child – a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education everywhere – created the powerful, low-cost laptop to transform the content and quality of learning in emerging nations.

Source: standingupforillinois.org

Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn one of the most forward thinking politicians in the country today, got into the spirit of giving  

by personally purchasing three laptops for three lucky Illinois third-graders.  One Laptop Per Child will match the three laptops for Illinois children by sending three XO computers to developing nations.

Source: Exclusive:

The original offer ended on Nov. 26 2007, but it has been extended and you can order your own through December 31st. Mine arrives before Christmas, so look for an illustrated look at it when it arrives.

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Tags: Illinois | Illinois | computers | Education | Laptop | mesh net | one laptop program | Pat Quinn | Technology | XO