Is it likely that placing laptops in the hands of students will help developing countries overcome the digital divide?

I think OLPC program is making a sincere effort with a clear vision from Negroponte. The idea is that it is not the only means to get rid of Digital divide. But carefully implementing it will do a great deal of work in reducing the digital divide. Just by placing the laptops in children’s hands will not do any good. I think the people who plan and implement the system will take appropriate steps so that the intended goal is attained. I personally support the initiative and I am optimistic that it will succeed in its efforts. Here’s the mesh demo of how the laptops creates the web and interconnects – http://www.laptop.org/en/laptop/hardware/.