However, the
only interesting computer I've seen in the last few years was
the OLPC XO-1, and that was more from a social and design standpoint than
technology (though I was delighted to note it uses OpenFirmware).
It is a cute little machine, but... the keyboard is... well, remember the
Sinclair Spectrum? Now imagine that but with keys 1/4 the area, and packed
closely together. It _is_ waterproof, and I guess with 8-12 year old
fingers the spacing isn't a problem, but for me it's the most inconvenient
keyboard I've used on something bigger than a PDA or cell-phone. I wanted
to use it as a low-weight low-power ssh console, but I'd rather slam my
fingers in a door than try to type on that keyboard for any length of time.
I got used to it, but I agree that touch typing on it was a lost cause.
Eventually I developed an arched technique that was reasonably accurate,
and I use it now and then if I need to pack lighter than my iBook.
That said, at least it's better than typing on a ZX-81. :-)
--
------------------------------------ personal:
http://www.cameronkaiser.com/ --
Cameron Kaiser * Floodgap Systems *
www.floodgap.com * ckaiser at
floodgap.com
-- It's bad luck to be suspicious. -- Andrew W. Mathis ------------------------