DSL by dirigible?

ok, so maybe DSL isn't too accurate, but it looks like Sweden just finished testing a method to deliver wireless access via access points on weather balloons. not only is that totally cool because it takes advantage of the existing resource of weather balloons and obviates the need to lay cable, it also facilitates reaching broadband access to remote regions, such as rural areas or in developing nations, where laying cable is either too expensive or simply not feasible. this project shows lots of interesting promise (and brings us possibly one step closer to ubiquitous broadband access, the lack of which I'm always complaining about).

also, I vaguely remember hearing that Eric Paulos had done some sort of work with dirigibles at some point. does anybody know anything about this, or am i just imagining things?

laptop on the uber-cheap

so, this is really cool. there are some pretty obvious ramifications; I don't know if have anything to contribute there off the top of my head that hasn't been said. will it happen? is it practical? is it feasible? will it have the impact of which it is capable? who knows. if they make it, will I buy one? unfortunately, it looks like I won't be able to. if they go into production, it looks as if they'll be aimed at public schools and third world countries (interesting that those two should be in the same target consumer base for any product). I don't see why they wouldn't release them for individual purchase, unless it's a matter of worrying about not being able to support the demand.