I was pleasantly surprised when I finally had the opportunity to use this little laptop, as its toy-like frame actually holds quite a few complex programs. Once I got the
XO running, I clicked through every one of these programs, including those of "
TurtleArt," (a rather complicated art design program), "Memorize," (a program resembling the famous card matching game), "Calculate," (a well-designed calculator for solving
all types of equations including those of complex mathematics), "Record," (a program that makes use of the
XO's built-in camera and microphone),"Pippy," (a compilation of several basic programming codes which can be run and observed), "Paint," (a program similar to the Window's Paint Program), "Write" (a simpler version of a Microsoft Word type program), and the Internet Browser.
I really could not find very much to complain about regarding this machine, considering its
original purpose. The children in third-world countries who are given an
XO for themselves will certainly benefit substantially from the varied programs offered within it. Unlike those in my class who have used the
XO before me, I did not experience any problems with "freezing" programs, or the necessity of restarting the laptop itself. Although some applications did take a while to start-up, the waiting period was not unbearably long. The children who get to use these laptops will not be too distraught by this waiting time either, so it is only a
minimal distraction. The only
disappointment I faced with the
XO was being unable to
successfully connect it to my wireless
Internet connection. I know it is possible, but even through the various routes I took in trying to get the connection up and running, I still remained
unsuccessful.
Even though I was not able to get the
Internet running properly, I was still able to access the World
Factbook Maps that were available in the Browser. These would
certainly be very educational for any child learning about our world's geography. Another program which I found to be quite entertaining was the "
TamTam" application. It was quite fun creating songs with various
instruments/voices and having them play back.
The overall functionality of the
XO laptop is very well designed, with the "home" screen being very easy to navigate, and the buttons on the keyboard conveniently directing the user to various menu screens (including one to connect to various
Internet network connections and to see any other
XO laptops in the area). The keyboard itself is understandably quite tiny, but once the user gets used to it, typing is hardly slowed. As I
regularly work on a laptop with a
touchpad instead of a mouse, the
XO's set up, in a similar manner, is to my liking. The user also has the option of rotating the actual screen position 360 degrees around, as well, although I'm not sure how much one would use this specific function.
OLPC's XO laptop is an amazing and innovative creation, from which any child in a third-world country can
benefit. This program has certainly done a lot to help those who are most in need, with educational opportunities that will set them on the path towards a brighter future.
To find out more about
OLPC visit
http://laptop.org/.
I've included some various photos of my use of the XO laptop below. Take a glance if you like!
"TamTamEdit" Program
"Home" Screen
"TurtleArt" Program
"Memorize" Program
"Calculate" Program (with the screen position rotated)
"Record" Program
World Factbook Maps Available in the "Browser"
"Pippy" Program
(a software program which allows its users to explore interactive, multi-layered maps of our entire planet.) Using this program, one can also explore the progressive changes that have occurred across the earth's surface over time.
(a free instant messaging service which allows people from various IM networks such as MSN, Yahoo Messenger, AIM, and GoogleTalk to chat with each other in an internet browser.)
(a web-community where people can showcase their brilliant photography/PhotoShop skills and receive comments from others for free.) Contests are also held in which people can enter their photos for the chance to receive a monetary prize. 
(a website from which people can access over 20 different work productivity programs, after signing up for free.) These products allow for the creation of written documents, spreadsheets, presentations similar to those Microsoft PowerPoint, and access to chat and e-mail, just to name a few.
