[Eric]

The $100.00 laptop is an eye opening, innovative machine that demonstrates what *could* happen to the costs of computer technology should the industry shift gears on a wider scale.

The laptops run Linux and flash drives to cut back on costs.

My concern is this...

the laptops will automatically back up their data up on a server whenever the machines get in wireless range of the children's school.

My guess is that books are on their way to History. I really dig the idea behind the laptops, but can you really replace the benefits of reading books? Think about it. Web based education.

[shavei7]

My guess is that books are on their way to History.

guessing not needed. it is where the technolog is going. books are only one of the things that will become obsolete. it's only a matter of time. hell, i may not even be alive when this comes to be

[Ajay]

Well, had read about it a long time back. Will wait to see when it actually becomes a reality.

[CoreClient]

I've read about a really cheap laptop in some newspaper.. Can't wait for someone to finally build one, maybe it'll be Microsoft ;)

[Dana]

I love the idea of a cheap laptop but hate the idea that books could be collector's items.

As a writer, I do most of my writing directly on the computer but a while ago I had a bad case of aches & pains and eyestrain from spending too many consecutive hours at the desk but still had work to do so I curled up on the couch with a spiral notebook and my favourite pen. I wrote some of my best stuff in ages with that pen and the difference in scenery. It was as if I tapped into a bit of creativity that I had lost sitting stiff and upright at a computer..
My point is that although technology is awesome and can make our lives better, sometimes doing things the old fashioned way can be a bit refreshing.
I'd much rather curl up on a blanket under a tree with a hardcover mystery than my laptop or Palm to read a story..
As for kids and learning, my older son loves to read and adores his books and my toddler is fast on his way to being a book lover too. I would hate to tuck him in with a laptop story instead of his big Sesame Street board book.

[Calum]

Personally I severely doubt that books will ever become obsolete
Although that may just be my view, as a confirmed bookworm
Seriously, unless major advances are made in screen technology, I can't imagine ever curling up with a PDA or laptop and reading for hours on end, it'd really give me a headache and strain my eyes....just won't be the same as a book, although perhaps that's the whole point....

[Dana]

I agree, laptops aren't very snuggly yet...maybe they'll wrap them up in chenile or cashmere or something as part of a custom package, lol.

[Eric]

Originally Posted by Calum

Personally I severely doubt that books will ever become obsolete
Although that may just be my view, as a confirmed bookworm
Seriously, unless major advances are made in screen technology, I can't imagine ever curling up with a PDA or laptop and reading for hours on end, it'd really give me a headache and strain my eyes....just won't be the same as a book, although perhaps that's the whole point....

Remember... we're talking about school kids. Our generations understand the importance of reading, but future generations will not.

[Dana]

Parents need to make sure their kids read books. I have a time limit for my 10 year old on his gaming and computer time and he has to read every day. It's no longer a chore for him to read and I rarely have to police it.
Parents need to teach their kids the importance so it doesn't become a lost art.

[Ristar]

Computers can be really addictive specially for kids. I remember when i got my first computer i was just crazy about it, could hardly think about anything else. Anyway that intrest keeps on fading with time.