Interesting points. Gave me things to ponder over.

To point 1 -- fair enough. I suppose I disagree with your presentation style by reason of personal preference. Potato potahtoe.

To point 2 -- It would seem then that there are numerous other problems to overcome first. Safe water supply, consistent food (that may already be there, but I'm guessing not?), power if modern technology is what's wanted there, etc. It may be the internet has much to offer these people if the infrastructure to support it were actually there. Of course it is somewhat there as you state but apparently not at a level that would seem necessary to give the projects you talk about the supporting structure they need. As for obviating the need for a keyboard and mouse and all that by use of the touch screen and icons, I'm not sure if that's a good idea either. As far as I can tell the keyboard and mouse are the best way to get things done on a computer in general. Of course in some situations other methods prevail, such as moving around and using a touch interface, but most computing is stationary and best served by the old standbys. If there are no techs there to service the computers then the people there need to learn to do it themselves, and that means keyboard and mouse at least. It doesn't make sense in the long run for them to only slightly know what a computer is and kind of how it works.

To point 3 -- Not sure what to say about that PK, sounds like the equipment is either not ready to travel into remote areas or the infrastructure isn't there to support the tablet out there. Either way still seems, to me, like a non-win for the N810. Also how is the tablet more durable than a desktop? You've said it's rugged and I'm sure as far as more urbanized areas it is, but rugged enough for the African wilds? I mean if it is that's cool, I'd just like to see something in print or whatever that outlines that fact. The area seems kind of tough on the vehicles around there

I hope I haven't offended you; that has not been my intention PK. I see things from a different point of view than you and you seem willing to discuss so I have pursued that. I don't know if this is the correct thread for this discussion to be going on in at this point. I'm enjoying it, but if Dan or Reggie or whomever is in charge of this thread would prefer I'd be happy to take it elsewhere.

Keep up the good work,
~!M