Sunday, Andy and I were watching 60 Minutes and heard the story of Nicholas Negroponte, a professor at MIT. Two years ago he founded a non-profit organization called “One Laptop Per Child,” through which he recruited a bunch of techies to design a low-cost computer for children in need.
This laptop is sturdy, meant to stand up to the harshest conditions (like being owned by a child), and small. It runs on a Linux operating system and has a built-in wireless connector, among other super-cool features. It costs $200.
For children in countries like Pakistan who don’t have schools to attend, Negroponte calls his laptop “school in a box.”
This laptop isn’t for sale in the United States, but from now until the end of the year, they have a program called “Give 1, Get 1,” where the general public can go online and, for $399, donate a computer to a child in need, and they will then send a computer to the donor as well. Since the fair market value of the computer is $199, $200 of the contribution is tax-deductible.
I was so intruiged by this story, and I spent some time yesterday searching the internet for various stories about this mission and this computer. Like everything, it has some naysayers, but most of what I read was very positive.
I had been thinking about getting a door-buster $400 laptop after Christmas, but now I think I may do this instead.
Did anyone else see this piece on 60 Minutes? Have you heard of this program before? I’d love to hear your thoughts about it… please leave a comment on this post!
I saw this a few weeks ago. We’re doing this instead of gifts between us. The kids are getting a few things, but really… this is so much more important.
You seem to have a well read blog so kudos to you for putting this out where more people can see it!!
I adore your page!! The colors, the background! Love it!
Personally, I’d hold out for a MacBook. 😉
I saw this just the other night. I think it is a wonderful program! I only wish I had enough $ to contribute. I say if you can afford it go for it!
I’ve never heard of it, but will certainly share this information with anyone I know who is looking to buy a laptop!
I heard about the program about a year ago. There is a lot of info out there about it….google away. We love our Mac’s, but I would absolutely do it if I could! Waterproof, sunproof, giving to someone….all sounds good to me. 🙂
Saw this, too. Am actually thinking of doing this, giving The Royal Monkeys our current computer, and nabbing the laptop for myself.
Did you get the specs on it? Make sure it’s got the memory, etc, that you need.
Smiles atcha!