The company also plans to sell SmartyCards through retailers (much like iTunes gift cards and other card systems). Some may say that this system is more like bribery, but I disagree. Kids are motivated to learn in different ways (I used to get rewarded by a trip to a favorite restaurant for good grades), so I don't think this is much different. In addition, we now live in a culture that rewards "points" and other such things for succeeding in different things (such as Xbox 360 Achievements in the gaming world), so it doesn't bother me here.

Xandros showed off its Presto utility, which boots up a Windows PC or notebook without actually booting up Windows. It connects to your network (depending on your settings for wired or wireless) and includes applications such as Skype, instant messaging and a Web browser (Firefox). It can access files stored on your system, and with OpenOffice.org integration, will let you edit those documents as well. It's a direct competitor to Phoenix Technologies' HyperSpace software (which I saw at this year's CES), but seems to have some additional features. In addition, the software will cost $19.95, vs. the subscription model for HyperSpace.