So easy that only a child can do it...

[drcpunk]

mnemex explained to me that the XO is intended for people who have never used computers before. This, he said, means that it may confuse people like me, who are used to computers working in certain ways.

Today, I tried to play with his XO, with limited success. I figured out how to turn it on and off, and where to plug the power cable in. I figured out which icon to click to use Opera, as opposed to the default web browser, and I surfed the web.

Then, I tried to use the Write program. I figured out how to get to the home screen, and which icon to click on. I figured out where to plug in my card reader. I could not figure out how to open files on the sd card -- or anywhere else, for that matter. Also, I forgot the trick mnemex told me to use, or at least, if I didn't forget it, I saw no results from using it.

I tried to go back to Opera, but I kept getting a blank screen. I tried to close Opera from the home screen, but the mouse moves a bit too fast for me. I think mouse speed may be adjustable, but I'm not sure how to adjust it.

The keyboard feels less wrong to me now, and I do have the advantage of having small fingers.

Comments

[mneme]

In addition to other points, I think it's arguable that XOs are a better educational tool than actual school buildings, slates, and blackboards--and quite possibly a more economical one, bang for buck.

Whether they'll have a serious long-term impact is an interesting question -- but I doubt they'll be spending much time on shelves for a while.