Why OLPC’s $100 laptop never stood a chance

The article previews a Version History episode examining why the One Laptop Per Child initiative and its XO-1 laptop fell short of their lofty goal. The discussion looks at the project’s technical design, execution challenges, and whether mass computer giveaways can ever succeed.

OLPC remains a case study in how techno-optimism can underestimate infrastructure, training, maintenance, and local education needs. Its legacy still matters as governments and nonprofits weigh device-first approaches against more holistic digital access strategies.