On the face of it this is a good scheme to help equalise the education attainment gap between rich and poor. But why on earth give out laptops instead of desktop PCs?
Desktop PCs have better keyboards, have more storage space and are substantially cheaper. They are also considerably less desirable for sale down the pub when the kids' parents are short of a few pounds.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8449485.stm
It doesn't give details of the scheme and if there are strings attached. YF was offered "a free laptop" last year but the strings were that should it be lost, stolen, or broken, it would have to be paid for in full, cost 450.00
What the government seem to fail to notice is that "poor" children are often poor becuase they lead chaotic lives where a laptop would not be safe. So the plan is doomed. Although they fail to notice the children are not safe in such homes so I suppose the laptop needs to take its place in the queue.
I agree desktops are better value, but you need a table to put it on, and space for the table. This is unlikely in a "poor" home.
I suppose it will help some, but not as many as they might think.
Also is this just to help poor children or to help poor PC hardware companies 