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It’s take 2 for the One Laptop Per Child project–version XO-2 of its laptop geared for children in developing countries features two side by side screens. The XO-2 is expected to arrive in 2010.

Some highlights of the new laptop, according to a blogger at Zdnet, Larry Dignan:

• OLPC is betting that new developments in hardware, software, display and processor technologies will lower the XO-2’s price tag to $75.

• OLPC is going with the 1 watt power consumption target so XO-2 can be powered by a hand crank.

• The XO-2 will feature dual-touch displaces for the e-book.

The most interesting new feature is the two 16:9-ratio touchscreens, one of which can be used as a touch-sensitive keyboard. ZDNet’s John Morris compares it to a cross between an Apple iPhone and an oversized Nintendo DS. OLPC will market it as a feature packed e-book reader capable of holding up to 500 books.

The first generation XO laptop started off with a bang–but sales have fallen below expectations.

Nicholas Negroponte, leader of the OLPC project, wants the new laptop to be half the size and weight of its predecessor.

ZDNet’s Christopher Dawson wonders if the XO-2 could be vaporware.

In contrast, former OLPC partner, Intel, wants its second generation Classmate PC to go a different route beyond the emerging markets and into the mainstream.

Source: Zdnet Blogs