But it looks like it could be a bit of a wait.
Judging by the number of blogs by people that have ordered OLPC XO Laptops today it looks like its going to be a very successful program. You pay $399 for an OLPC which, in my opinion, is a far more interesting device than the Eee PC, and one device goes to you, another goes out via the normal route to the underprivileged. Its a great idea. I’m trying to get hold of one through an import route but it could take time. I heard that they won’t be shipping until after Christmas but that may only apply to orders going in now.
I was chatting to Rodfather who has ordered one today about the LX-700 processor. If I lock my Everun down to 400Mhz, I effectively have XP running on the same platform as the XO Laptop. Its fast enough for browsing and even basic media playing. I even use it like that when I’m browsing and playing MP3’s. Remember, the AMD Geode can handle DiVX very well indeed. Even at 400Mhz. As for battery life, a system based on such a platform should return about 6w drain giving nearly 4 hours on the high-end battery. However, the XO Laptop has the very low power screen and Wifi solution. I’d say that you’re looking at an average drain of around 5W which is going to return over 4 hours with the Wifi on. (assume 22wh battery)
I guess it’s time to drop the XO Laptop in the ultra mobile PC product database!
Update: Laptop magazine have a nice report from the receiving end of a Give one, Get one story.
Info about ordering is available here.
