FEATURE AT A GLANCE: We examine the user experience of the XO laptop (the “$100 laptop”). The XO laptop combines many technology innovations and is used in the United States and abroad. We asked users to perform a range of simple tasks to demonstrate that several aspects of the XO laptop and similar devices can be improved, including hardware and software. Our recommendations are not difficult modifications. What we found suggests that usability problems may pose a greater risk to the success of this device than perhaps was imagined by its designers. We hope to see the XO laptop's usability become more polished and that usability, in general, will be considered appropriately as a potential risk for similar products.
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