XO-3 OLPC Tablet

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9223242/OLPC_s_XO_3_tablet_to_debut_at_CES

News of a cheap robust tablet peaks my curiosity.  Recently I was talking to Bill Kerr which rekindled my interest in trialing the use of the OLPC in the APY Lands.

My recent observation visit to Ernabella, on the Lands, indicated that a number of families had tried computer purchases but they did not last due to the harsh conditions. This map indicates that some neighbouring settlements to Ernabella may be having a go with the OLPC.

There are a couple of things that are of special interest with this tablet.

• Charging and power saving options
• The literacy trials that are part of its release and the fact that MIT Media Lab (behind the development of Scratch) are part of that trial
• The testing of ways to promote self learning and critical thinking

I think that I will settle into Ernabella at the start of the year, keep an eye out for the release of the tablets and purchase one to check out as soon as I can.

I wonder if the work I am doing with the development of a Pitjantjatjara spell check dictionary for Libre and Open Office can mesh with the tablet in some way?