One Laptop Per Child

Here is something I've stumbled upon, and upon initial review, it seems to be a good attempt at a good idea. Here is what this is:

The MIT Media Lab has launched a new research initiative to develop a $100 laptop—a technology that could revolutionize how we educate the world's children. To achieve this goal, a new, non-profit association, One Laptop per Child (OLPC), has been created. The initiative was first announced by Nicholas Negroponte, Lab chairman and co-founder, at the World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland in January 2005.

What is the $100 Laptop, really?
The proposed $100 machine will be a Linux-based, full-color, full-screen laptop that will use innovative power (including wind-up) and will be able to do most everything except store huge amounts of data. This rugged laptop will be WiFi-enabled and have USB ports galore. Its current specifications are: 500MHz, 1GB, 1 Megapixel.

Why do children in developing nations need laptops?
Laptops are both a window and a tool: a window into the world and a tool with which to think. They are a wonderful way for all children to "learn learning" through independent interaction and exploration.

To find out more visit the website http://laptop.media.mit.edu/faq.html
and be sure to read the FAQ section.

My initial thought was what the hell is a child who is starving or hiding for their life going to do with a laptop.

There is much about this world I do not know. Could this be just the very thing they crave? I guess we'll see.