Goodbye Linux, hello Windows

Although most of us are happily using Windows Vista these days, there are still very poor countries that need a cheaper alternative.

The One Laptop Per Child scheme started last year, and aimed to provide laptops to children in education, in developing countries, but the problem was - the laptops were loaded with Linux.

According to the New York Times those buying the XO laptops wanted something they felt familiar with, and Linux just couldn’t cut the mustard. Laptop sales weren’t as good as anticipated.

Now that Microsoft has bought out One Laptop Per Child, it’s planning to sell the majority of the laptops preloaded with Windows XP.

With Linux loaded onto an XO laptop, they normally cost $100, but with Windows XP on it, Microsoft says it will cost about $3 more.

The XO laptop might look a bit strange, but it’s got plenty of tricks up its sleeve. For starters it’s very rugged - ideal for its environment, where it’s going to take a beating. It’s also very compact, weighing in at 1.45 kilos, which means it won’t weigh down backpacks, and it’s got a generous 7 inch screen too.