Some critics say the project misallocates resources and that governments in developing countries would do better to invest in providing for more basic needs. Other countries that have shown interest in the project - which has been endorsed by the United Nations - include China and Brazil, Thaksin said.

The machines are being designed to be cheap and sturdy, and have minimum running costs. They will use the free Linux operating system, flash memory instead of a hard drive, and according to Thaksin will be able to run on an outboard electricity generator that is pumped by hand.

I applaud this initiative, and I disagree with those who say this is a misallocation of resources.  What would they have?  More money poured into government bureauacracies?  No, what the world's children need is empowerment, and part of that empowerment is via communication and information.

My main concern is that these kids be taught how to use the laptops properly and that they be given access to the internet.  Worldwide net access is one of the keys to the survival of democracy on this planet.  Without that, we will soon be swallowed up by an Orwellian nightmare.

The link: http://apnews.myway.com//article/20060813/D8JFHQ700.html