OneLaptopPerChild's (OLPC) Development of the XO-1 Laptop: Advantages and Disadvantages

The XO-1 Laptop is a leaning tool designed and built especially for children in developing countries, with built-in wireless capabilities and a unique screen that is readable under direct sunlight for children who go to school outdoors. Advantages and disadvantages are listed below. Please comment on your thoughts.

Advantages of the XO-1 Laptop:

• durable and climate-conscious hardware catered towards the environments of developing country context
• friendly user interface and software programming catered towards children
• low-cost laptops
• creating opportunities for societies to engage in the world of ideas through internet and web browsing
• provide a means for learning, self-expression, and exploration to the nearly two billion children of the developing world

Disadvantages of the XO-1 Laptop:

• lack of support, maintenance, and repair oriented solutions
• competitive PC industry
• high information costs in understanding the local environment and the needs and wants of its potential users
• misunderstanding of the social and cultural environment
• weak market-based strategy and business operations of OLPC