"The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative outlined its product roadmap for the next three years, a plan that includes the release of tablet-based OLPC by 2012. During the next three years, OLPC plans on releasing two laptops, the first two years' priced around $200 and $150 respectively, before launching a tablet in 2011 for less than $100."

"In Manhattan this fall, a batch of lucky sixth-graders will start at Quest To Learn, the first public school in the US with a curriculum built around playing games. They'll play Spore and Civilization, board games such as Settlers of Catan, and learn 3D modeling in Maya and Google Earth as well. Each semester concludes with a two-week 'Boss Level.'"

Asus has launched a 15.6in touchscreen desktop PC, dubbed the Eee Top, as a budget rival to HP's TouchSmart.

With just 1GB of memory and a 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor, the desktop's specification shares much in common with Asus' Eee netbooks, but has a sizable 160GB hard disk.

The computer also has a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam, a set of stereo speakers and a wired keyboard and mouse.

Windows XP will be shipped with the machine, making use of Microsoft's recent sales extension for low-powered desktops and netbooks. Sun Microsystem's Star Office will also be included, giving office capability straight out of the box.

Street price currently estimated at $700.

NAVisis is introducing a new USB gadget (for Windows only including Vista) called LaptopTablet. You mount it onto the side of your regular LCD monitor to transform it into a fully functional touchscreen, controlled with an included pen. The gadget is priced at around $100 and seems a good alternative for Photoshoppers.