What about the little guys?

Even though the lastest high-tech developements are always interesting, the small advances in common technology are also important. With things like vista coming out, its easy to forget that the majority of people aren't up to that level yet.

So what about the common person, or even under-priveledged people? The One Laptop per Child program is interesting in its aim. Instead of trying to be the fastest and costing ridiculous sums, it provides an affordable option for kids to learn. "The OLPC Foundation mission is to stimulate local grassroots initiatives designed to enhance and sustain over time the effectiveness of XO laptops as learning tools for children living in lesser-developed countries."

What would be interesting is if this type of initiative could be taken for the lesser-developed in general. Instead of creating a computer with lots of options and features that people who can barely use a computer will not be able to operate, why not create a computer with only the essentials? This will create much more affordable prices for those who are having a hard time buying a new computer, yet the computer will still be able to perform needed actions.