The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative is planning to ship nearly 5 million XO model PCs this summer to mostly third world countries. There are rumors floating about that the OLPC folks may offer the laptops for sale to the public as well. Consumers would be able to buy the laptops in pairs, and only receive one of them, with the other one going to a child in a third world country. Sure it is a bit unorthodox, but forcing philanthropy on the public when they purchase is simply brilliant. I don't think many people will have a problem with this method of helping others. You would even get to keep in touch with the child your laptop went to, to see how they are, and what they are up to, sponsoring them, in effect. eBay is also rumored as a seller to help the sale of laptops, since supply chain costs are high and the foundation need to keep costs down to continue producing low-price PCs. Seriously, what is $100 in the grand scheme of things? Would you 'buy 2 get 1' to help out your own kid and the kids that need a PC in third-world countries? I would.OLPC to be sold to the public?
The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative is planning to ship nearly 5 million XO model PCs this summer to mostly third world countries. There are rumors floating about that the OLPC folks may offer the laptops for sale to the public as well. Consumers would be able to buy the laptops in pairs, and only receive one of them, with the other one going to a child in a third world country. Sure it is a bit unorthodox, but forcing philanthropy on the public when they purchase is simply brilliant. I don't think many people will have a problem with this method of helping others. You would even get to keep in touch with the child your laptop went to, to see how they are, and what they are up to, sponsoring them, in effect. eBay is also rumored as a seller to help the sale of laptops, since supply chain costs are high and the foundation need to keep costs down to continue producing low-price PCs. Seriously, what is $100 in the grand scheme of things? Would you 'buy 2 get 1' to help out your own kid and the kids that need a PC in third-world countries? I would.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-13-2007 @ 12:30PM
Isaac said...
Awesome idea. Not least because I want a laptop but am not willing to pay the extortionate prices of todays market.
It's also an excellent way to force people who wouldn't normally go to the effort of giving to charity to become willing philanthropists.
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1-13-2007 @ 5:45PM
lilpunk1302 said...
I still have a question about these things, can you charge them from awall plug? People keep on talking about the pull-string and the like,but nothing about a wall plug???Anyways, I think it's an ok idea, Imean it'd be nice if they charged consumers $150 instead of 200 Ithink that way they'd get more sales, but thats just me. Also, Ithink the whole $100 laptop idea has already somewhat failed becausethey already sell full blown $100 laptop's(kinda) you pay $600upfront, then you get $500 in rebates and free stuff, adding up to a$100 laptop.http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/17/circuit-city-to-sell-100-compaq-laptop-on-black-friday/
right there.
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1-13-2007 @ 5:46PM
lilpunk1302 said...
I still have a question about these things, can you charge them from a wall plug? People keep on talking about the pull-string and the like, but nothing about a wall plug???
Anyways, I think it's an ok idea, I mean it'd be nice if they charged consumers $150 instead of 200 I think that way they'd get more sales, but thats just me. Also, I think the whole $100 laptop idea has already somewhat failed because they already sell full blown $100 laptop's(kinda) you pay $600 upfront, then you get $500 in rebates and free stuff, adding up to a $100 laptop. http://www.engadget.com/2006/11/17/circuit-city-to-sell-100-compaq-laptop-on-black-friday/
Right there.
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1-14-2007 @ 2:05AM
William C Bonner said...
So, I spend $200 and I get a laptop and a reciept showing that I spent $100 on a charity donation? Does that work for taxation status?
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1-15-2007 @ 11:22AM
Jason said...
I would definitely buy one, once the are available at olpc.com
Regards, Jason
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1-16-2007 @ 8:00PM
yeye said...
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/01/14/olpc_no_consumer_version/
way to do research. linked from the olpc site.
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