Attack of the $200 Laptops!

The $100 laptop may still be a myth, but the projects it inspired--rugged, networked, ultracheap, and low-power portables created to aid educational programs in developing countries--are very real. And after months in development, they're finally about to ship. Here's a rundown of the designs and their key specs.

OLPC XO

• Price: $200
• CPU: AMD Geode LX-700 with integrated graphics
• Display: 7.5 inches, 1200 by 900
• Storage: 1GB flash
• RAM: 256MB
• Networking: 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, plus mesh networking
• Features: Built-in camera, speakers, game-pad controls, and microphone
• Number of green, antenna-looking things: Two
• Availability: For a limited time, xogiving.org will sell you one for a child in a developing country and one to keep for $400

Intel Classmate PC

• Price: Expected to cost $200 to manufacture
• CPU: Intel Celeron M CPU and 915GMS chip set with integrated graphics
• Display: 7 inches, 800 by 480
• Storage: 2GB flash
• RAM: 256MB
• Networking: Ethernet and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• Features: Built-in microphone and stereo speakers, optional wireless pen for note taking
• Approximate width of screen bezel: Rather a lot
• Availability: Sent to pilot programs in Brazil, Nigeria, and some Asian nations; won't be sold to individuals

Asus Eee PC

• Price: $260 to $400
• CPU: Intel mobile CPU and graphics
• Display: 7 inches, 800 by 480
• Storage: 2GB to 4GB flash
• RAM: 256MB to 512MB
• Networking: Ethernet and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• Features: Built-in Webcam, MMC/SD card reader, three USB ports
• Percentage of name that is "e": 60 percent
• Availability: At press time, available for preorder through sites such as allasus.com