Hardware and software

I am curious about the uses and limitations of computing platforms. I looked at the adaptability of Walmart $199 computer as well as the use of OLPC for this project.

I have been thinking of the time spent between the innovations in Computer Software Development/Research Issues and making a software perfect - what roles should this project play?

Also thinking of the use of sketchup (google product) to teach 3 dimensional geometry and urban planning.

To compare the role of scratch with what we are doing - what are our innovations?