Official OLPC FAQ: Difference between revisions
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=== How can I |
=== How can I obtain an laptop? === |
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See [[Buying XOs]]. |
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=== Will OLPC be offering Give One Get One (G1G1) again? === |
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We have no plans to do so at this time, sorry. You can get an [http://one.laptop.org/about/olpc-tablet OLPC Tablet] though. |
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=== How will my donation be used? === |
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Other than this brief fundraiser that ended as of December 31st, 2007, there is, unfortunately, at this time, no way for an individual to purchase an XO laptop. The XO laptop is not for sale commercially. (If that ever changes, certainly it will be noted on our website at www.laptop.org.) |
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Your donation will be used to cover the cost of manufacturing, sending and setting-up laptops in some of the most remote and isolated parts of the world. This may also include power and connectivity infrastructure, teacher preparation and other technical and educational support. |
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If you participated in Give One Get One, thank you! A needy child will receive a laptop because of your generosity and we hope you enjoy the laptop that you receive. Many orders are still being filled, the response was great, so please be patient for your XO to arrive. |
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=== Who do I contact if I have a question about my 2007 Give One Get One order? === |
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Write to {{help@laptop.org}}. |
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When you email service@laptopgiving.org, please make sure you get the bounceback reply soon after. If you do not see this email, please check the Bulk or Spam folders in your email program to see if the reply was caught there. The Give One Get One customer service will get back to you with an answer to your inquiry within a few business days. |
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'''Give Many:''' |
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If you are interested in purchasing 100 or more laptops for donation to a designated recipient, please read more about our Give Many program: |
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http://www.laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/givemany.shtml |
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::or |
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http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/group-giving.php |
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Please contact the Give Many donor service team to inquire further: |
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email: givemany@laptop.org |
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phone: 1-800-379-7017 |
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'''If you are a government entity looking to buy the XO laptops in bulk, please email: countries@laptop.org''' |
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=== Who do I contact if I have a question about my Give One Get One order? === |
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If you are inquiring about the delivery of the XO laptop you ordered through Give One Get One, please call: |
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1-800-883-8102 |
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We have delivered tens of thousands of XO's but there are still thousands of orders to fill and we will be shipping throughout March. You may also track your order on the home page of www.laptopgiving.org |
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For other questions about your Give One Get One order, for example, if you have an address change or need another copy of the receipt, please contact the Give One Get One customer service: |
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* email service@laptopgiving.org |
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* Call 1-800-201-7144 |
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When you email service@laptopgiving.org, please make sure you get the bounce-back reply soon after. If you do not see this email, please check the Bulk or Spam folders in your email program to see if the reply was caught there. The Give One Get One customer service will get back to you with an answer to your inquiry as soon as they can, please pardon if there is a delay. |
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To see the details on exchanging the laptop because it is defective, which must be done within 30 days of receiving it, please see: |
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http://laptopgiving.org/en/return-merchandise.php |
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This link will instruct you to CALL: 1-800-201-7144 |
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If you are uncertain whether your laptop is defective, please instead email OLPC’s volunteer-driven Tech Support line: help@laptop.org (See next question for many useful XO technical support links.) |
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=== If I have a technical question about the XO laptop I received, what can I do? === |
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Please understand that since the XO is not a commercially available product, if you need technical help in using it, we strongly encourage you to seek support from friends, family, bloggers and the links we provide below. One goal of the G1G1 initiative is to create an informal network of XO laptop users in the developed world who will provide feedback about the technical aspects of the XO and its utility as an educational tool for children. People may also want to participate in the worldwide effort to create open-source educational applications for the XO laptop. (See [[Contributing content]]) We urge participants in the G1G1 initiative to think of themselves as members of an international educational movement rather than as “customers.” |
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Helpful technical links for your XO: |
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http://laptop.org/start |
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http://laptop.org/start/troubleshooting.shtml |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Support_FAQ |
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If you still have questions, please email help@laptop.org The team there, comprised almost entirely of volunteers, has done an amazing job answering questions. |
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=== When will we receive a laptop purchased through the G1G1 or Give Many program? === |
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We made every effort to deliver XO laptops by the holidays, but quantities are limited. Because the laptops are manufactured based on demand, we cannot guarantee timing. We hope you agree that this is more about the giving. |
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Please be patient for your laptop to arrive, they will continue to be sent out over the next months. Emailing service@laptopgiving.org is the best route to inquire about the whereabouts of your XO. Please see the question above "Who do I contact if I have a question about my Give One Get One order?" for all the detail on how to contact them. |
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=== Will these laptops be available for purchase in retail stores? === |
=== Will these laptops be available for purchase in retail stores? === |
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No, we have no plans for retail sale of the XO laptop at this time. The OLPC Tablet is available for retail sale though. |
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No. Other than the Give One Get One campaign, which was over at the end of 2007, the laptop is not for sale on the commercial market at this time. Please understand that launching the laptop is an ongoing process. Have patience, and someday we hope it may be more widely available at the cost of production: around $180 right now and decreasing over time. Surely it will be noted on our website if the laptop does become commercially available. |
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=== Can I or my organization be a recipient of the XO laptop? === |
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Yes, but there is a minimum order quantity, see [[Buying XOs]]. |
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=== How will the laptop computers be marketed? === |
=== How will the laptop computers be marketed? === |
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Our policy at the moment is to sell the laptops directly to governments or non-profit endeavors willing to order in volume. |
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Our policy at the moment is to sell the laptops in bulk orders directly to governments or non-profit endeavors willing to buy at least 100 units. (Please see the "Give Many" program outlined in the first question of this FAQ, "How can I buy a laptop?") Developing countries are the most actively engaged with OLPC but we have not excluded wealthier nations, states or cities. We certainly understand that there are needy children on all corners of the planet; indeed, all children are deserving. The idea in the long run is to have one laptop per child—everywhere! It is up to the relevant officials of a government entity or organization to contact us. The participating governments or organizations will then distribute the XO laptops in a non-profit manner to their schools or participants. (The link below shows which countries are in what stages of negotiation.) You are welcome to lobby any government or organization you wish on behalf of our XO laptop or simply the idea of one laptop per child. We regret we cannot assist you in this lobbying, but we appreciate it. |
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Volume orders will get the manufacturing process rolling and drive the price down. Please have patience: the launch and distribution of the XO laptop is a process. We hope that our efforts, along with market forces in general, will contribute to affordable laptops being widely available in the near future so that everyone may benefit. |
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We receive many inquiries from worthwhile causes and lone individuals from around the world, doing amazing and noble humanitarian work. We applaud all these efforts and regret we cannot fully collaborate or donate laptops at this time. Hopefully, the government of the region in which you are interested, or a non-profit working in the area, may be purchasing the laptops. Again, feel free to lobby. |
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Bulk orders will get the manufacturing process rolling and drive the price down. Please be patient: we hope that our efforts, along with market forces in general, will contribute to affordable laptops being widely available in the near future so that everyone may benefit. |
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We receive many inquiries from worthwhile causes and lone individuals from around the world, doing amazing and noble humanitarian work. We applaud all these efforts and regret we cannot fully collaborate or donate laptops at this time. (Again, see the first question in this FAQ "How can I buy a laptop?") Or, hopefully, the government of the region you are interested in may be purchasing the laptops. Again, feel free to lobby. |
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Please have patience; getting low cost laptops distributed throughout the world is a process. |
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To see which countries are involved, go to: |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Countries |
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To see a map of these countries: |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Map |
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=== Why do children in developing nations need laptop computers? === |
=== Why do children in developing nations need laptop computers? === |
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The XO laptop as not merely a piece of equipment, but as an educational opportunity. Laptop computers can be a window and a tool: a window into the world and a tool with which to think. Computers are a wonderful way for all children to learn through independent interaction and exploration. |
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=== Why are these laptops going to children in developing nations when there are needy children in the U.S.? === |
=== Why are these laptops going to children in developing nations when there are needy children in the U.S.? === |
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In the U.S., the average expenditure for education is $7,500 dollars per child. In developing countries, the average expenditure is typically less than $300 dollars per child. One Laptop per Child is initially focused on where the need is most urgent. |
In the U.S., the average expenditure for education is $7,500 dollars per child per year. In developing countries, the average expenditure is typically less than $300 dollars per child per year. One Laptop per Child is initially focused on where the need is most urgent. |
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However, wealthier nations and organizations are certainly not excluded. A number of U.S. states and cities have approached OLPC and expressed interest in the program. It is up to the relevant officials of a government entity or organization to contact us by emailing countries@laptop.org to start a dialogue. The participating governments or organizations will then distribute the XO laptops in a non-profit manner to their schools or participants. You are welcome to lobby any government or organization you wish on behalf of the XO laptop or simply the concept of one laptop per child. We regret that we cannot assist you in this lobbying, but we appreciate the efforts of those who share our vision. |
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=== Why not a desktop computer, or even better, a recycled desktop machine? === |
=== Why not a desktop computer, or even better, a recycled desktop machine? === |
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While desktops are cheaper, mobility is important, especially with regard to taking the computer home at night. |
While desktops are cheaper, mobility is important, especially with regard to taking the computer home at night. Children in the developing world need the newest technology, especially rugged hardware and innovative software. |
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=== Why is it important for each child to have a computer? What's wrong with community access computer centers? === |
=== Why is it important for each child to have a computer? What's wrong with community access computer centers? === |
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One does not think of community pencils—kids have their own. They are tools with which to think, sufficiently inexpensive to be used for work and play, drawing, writing, and mathematics. A computer can be the same, but far more powerful. Furthermore, there are many reasons it is important for a child to own something, like a football, doll, or book, not the least of which being that these belongings will be well maintained through love and care. |
One does not think of community pencils—kids have their own. They are tools with which to think, sufficiently inexpensive to be used for work and play, drawing, writing, and mathematics. A computer can be the same, but far more powerful. Furthermore, there are many reasons it is important for a child to own something, like a football, doll, or book, not the least of which being that these belongings will be well maintained through love and care. |
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=== What is the laptop called and what can it do? === |
=== What is the laptop called and what can it do? === |
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The laptop is an amazing machine, designed for children, called XO. It is quite rugged, GNU/Linux based, has 2 or 3 USB ports, wireless connectivity, a built in camera, a sunlight readable screen, and many other interesting features. It runs on very little power and there will be peripherals that will allow the laptop to run on solar or human power for regions off the grid. |
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Please browse pages of information about the XO’s specs here: http://www.laptop.org/en/laptop/ |
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Please browse pages of information about the XO’s specs here: http://one.laptop.org/about/hardware |
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=== Can the XO connect to the internet? === |
=== Can the XO connect to the internet? === |
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Yes, the XO comes with wifi. |
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The XO comes with wifi compatible networking capabilities. If there is an open access point within range, you can click on it to connect to it. If you have a password for a WEP access point, you can connect to that as well. If you need a wired ethernet connection to the Internet, you will need to purchase a "USB to Ethernet adapter", which can be found in most electronics retail shops. The XO does not have an internal modem and cannot connect to a telephone line for dial-up internet access. |
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=== Can I load Microsoft Windows onto the XO laptop? === |
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No. |
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OLPC maintains a firm and unequivocal commitment to open source software. Having an open system is fundamental to OLPC's mission, please see: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Core_principles/lang-en |
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Any software developed by or for OLPC is released under GPL v2. The open source community remains a critical success factor in the our mission. |
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=== Can I load Microsoft Windows or my own software onto the XO laptop? === |
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=== Can I print from the XO Laptop? === |
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Currently, Microsoft Windows cannot be loaded onto the laptop. The XO laptop has a GNU/Linux based Operating System and features its own programs, specifically designed for children and the XO. There are thousands of software developers around the world currently developing content for the XO. For more information, visit [[Activities]]. |
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No, there is no built-in support. Some deployments add support from the Fedora Linux operating system. |
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A dual boot with Microsoft may be available in the future. It is something being worked on. |
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=== How do I get upgrades for the operating system of my XO? === |
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See [[Releases]]. |
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At the time of first shipments, there is no printing support on the laptop. You can save your documents to a USB flash drive and print from another computer. We do expect to add some print support in later upgrades of the software. |
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=== Can I load flash on the XO? === |
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An [[Adobe Flash]] proprietary plug-in may be available, but is not supported by OLPC. |
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=== Can I load java on the XO? === |
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Yes, a Java environment is available as part of Fedora Linux. |
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=== How do I get upgrades for the operating system? === |
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=== What can a $1,000 laptop computer do that the XO Laptop cannot? === |
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OLPC provides OS upgrades on a regular basis. You can get the upgrade directly from us, or possibly from a local country server or school server. For more details go to the olpc wiki: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Home (Eventually we will have a more exact link going to pages with upgrades information.) |
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The XO laptop is a computer built for learning and designed specifically with children in mind. Because of this, the features deemed most valuable for its purposes are as good (and in many cases, better) than comparable features on a $1000 laptop. For instance, the XO’s screen can be viewed as clearly as a newspaper in broad daylight, and the wireless range of the XO is several times farther than your average laptop. It's also more rugged, resilient and power efficient than most other laptops on the market. While other features, such as power and speed, cannot compare to a $1000 machine, they are excellent for the XO’s $200 price point and meet the necessary requirements for learning. |
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===Can I get replacement parts for my XO laptop?=== |
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Deployments can order parts from OLPC in bulk, and would normally do so as part of the initial purchase. |
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=== Can I load flash on the XO? === |
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Individuals should see [[Support_FAQ#How_do_I_obtain_replacement_parts.2C_e.g._batteries_and_chargers.3F_Repair.3F|obtaining replacement parts and repairs]]. |
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Yes. You can load Adobe flash on the XO. It is a free download from their website. |
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=== If am a skilled technical person or content developer and want to help the project, what can I do? === |
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If you are thinking of offering your help, thank you! Please explore the wiki for collaboration possibilities. You can find project suggestions and projects under development for the XO laptop. Our [[Participate]] and [http://laptop.org/manual/XO_HowToVolunteer.html "How to Volunteer"] pages are the best places to start. The following are of particular interest to tech & content developers: |
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Home page: http://wiki.laptop.org |
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Getting involved with OLPC: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Getting_involved_in_OLPC |
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=== Can I load java on the XO? === |
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Software projects under development or completed: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Software_projects |
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Yes. |
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Ideas about contributing content: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributing_content |
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=== May we work with OLPC on a research project or collaborative venture? === |
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We are very grateful for your offer, but need to concentrate on the launch of the laptop and regret we do not have the human resources available to collaborate in the many creative ways that are suggested. Feel free to lobby your government officials or other organizations who may be able to purchase a large bulk order of XO laptops. They may email countries@laptop.org to start a dialogue with OLPC. |
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If you are a vendor, marketer, manufacturer, importer, wholesaler or distributor, we have filed your company information and will get back to you if we need your services. Thank you. |
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=== What can a $1,000 laptop computer do that the XO Laptop cannot? === |
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Please see this question for collaboration possibilities as well: |
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The XO laptop is a computer built for learning and designed specifically with children in mind. Because of this, the features deemed most valuable for its purposes are as good (and in many cases, better) than comparable features on a $1000 laptop. For instance, the XO’s screen can be viewed as clearly as a newspaper in broad daylight, and the wireless range of the XO is several times longer than your average laptop. It's also more rugged, resilient and power efficient than most other laptops on the market. While other features, such as power and speed, cannot compare to a $1000 machine, they are excellent for the XO’s $200 price point and meet the necessary requirements for learning. |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Official_OLPC_FAQ#If_am_a_skilled_technical_person_or_content_developer_and_want_to_help_the_project.2C_what_can_I_do.3F |
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===May we fundraise on behalf of OLPC?=== |
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Thank you very much for your very kind thoughts of fundraising! We truly appreciate it. |
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Because we are such a small team and are entirely concentrated on launching the laptop, we regret we have no personnel to monitor, assist or collaborate in such endeavors. Nor do we have any printed material we can send you, but you are welcome to print out pages for yourself from our website: http://www.laptop.org and http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Home |
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=== What comes with a G1G1 order? Can I get the solar panel or hand crank? === |
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You will receive one XO laptop, the battery, and a US/Canadian electrical power adapter. At this time, none of the peripherals, such as the solar panel or hand crank are for sale. (They will be available for the large government orders in the future.) Unfortunately, replacement parts such as keyboards, batteries and power cords are not available either. |
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Please remember that all materials must be reproduced with proper attribution and none of the information, images or other content can be use for commercial purposes or for your personal benefit. |
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There are some pictures you may use here: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Pictures |
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=== If am a skilled technical person or content developer and want to help the project, what can I do? === |
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There are some presentations here, scroll down to where it says Slides, posters and materials: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/XO_roadshows |
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If you have offered your technical help--thank you! Please explore the olpc wiki for collaboration possibilities. You can find project suggestions and projects under development for the XO laptop. The following links may be of particular interest: |
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Home page: [[Home]] |
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There is a growing archive of presentations(slides & video) as well at http://download.laptop.org/content |
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Getting involved with OLPC: [[Getting involved in OLPC]] |
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Software projects under development or completed: [[Software projects]] |
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If the idea you have proposed raises funds for us, we are very grateful! |
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Guidelines for developing activities: [[OLPC Human Interface Guidelines]] |
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Checks for simple donations, *not* related to receiving any computers, can be sent to: |
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Ideas about contributing content: [[Contributing content]] |
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There is a process for serious Developer applicants to go through to be reviewed to receive a test machine. Please fill out the application thoroughly, including all the contact information asked for and follow the directions carefully about where to email. |
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One Laptop per Child Foundation |
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[[Developers program]] |
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PO Box 425087 |
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=== May we work with OLPC on a research project, fundraising event, or collaborative venture? === |
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Cambridge, MA 02142 |
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We are very grateful for your offer, but need to concentrate on the launch of the laptop and regret we do not have the human resources available to collaborate in the many creative ways that are suggested. Feel free to browse the olpc wiki/online community (see links below or question above) or lobby your Department or Ministry of Education on behalf of One Laptop per Child or just the concept of one laptop per child. |
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If you are a vendor, marketer, manufacturer, importer, wholesaler or distributor, we have filed your company information and will get back to you if we need your services. Thank you. |
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It is also possible to give directly with a credit card through the link here on our website, *not* related to receiving any computers: |
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One Laptop per Child's main website is: http://www.laptop.org/ |
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http://laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/ |
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OLPC's wiki is at: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Home |
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At this time, any donations made in the above manner cannot be designated to a specific school or country. |
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The website where you can read about giving laptops is: http://laptopgiving.org/en/index.php |
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See also the question directly above for many ideas about how to contribute. |
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Please direct your well summarized email to content@laptop.org |
Please direct your well summarized email to content@laptop.org |
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Or visit this web page: |
Or visit this web page: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributing_content |
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The content team will get back to you if they are able to collaborate. Otherwise, they thank you very much for the idea and will keep your email on file. |
The content team will get back to you if they are able to collaborate. Otherwise, they thank you very much for the idea and will keep your email on file. |
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=== Can someone from OLPC come speak with us or participate in our event? === |
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If you email OLPC and do not receive an additional email from us other than the automated reply within a few weeks, then we regret we will be unable to attend or participate. We are sorry that, for now, our staff is simply too small to be able to attend all the interesting events to which we are invited, as much as we would like to. |
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=== Can someone from OLPC come speak with us or participate in our event? === |
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If you email us at information@laptop.org (or some other channel) and do not receive an additional email from us other than the bounce-back within a few weeks, then we regret we will be unable to attend or participate. Good luck with your event and we thank you kindly for thinking of us! |
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Good luck with your event and we do thank you very much for thinking of us! |
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Unfortunately, no, we are not set up for public visits. |
Unfortunately, no, we are not set up for public visits. |
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=== Who is the manufacturer of the XO laptop computer? === |
=== Who is the manufacturer of the XO laptop computer? === |
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Quanta Computer Inc. of Taiwan is the original design manufacturer (ODM) of the XO laptop. Quanta is the world’s largest laptop manufacturer and makes laptops for Apple, HP, Dell among many others. |
Quanta Computer Inc. of Taiwan is the original design manufacturer (ODM) of the XO laptop. Quanta is the world’s largest laptop manufacturer and makes laptops for Apple, HP, Dell among many others. |
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First, by dramatically lowering the cost of the display. The first-generation computer will have a novel, dual-mode display that represents improvements to the LCD displays commonly found in inexpensive DVD players. Second, we have also worked to get the fat out of our software systems. In other words, our laptop computers operate more efficiently. The XO’s operating system is based on a free and open source version of GNU/Linux. Third, One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organization that is not obligated to any investors. Finally, One Laptop per Child uses large scale orders to minimize marketing and distribution costs and to bulk order components to drive prices down. |
First, by dramatically lowering the cost of the display. The first-generation computer will have a novel, dual-mode display that represents improvements to the LCD displays commonly found in inexpensive DVD players. Second, we have also worked to get the fat out of our software systems. In other words, our laptop computers operate more efficiently. The XO’s operating system is based on a free and open source version of GNU/Linux. Third, One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organization that is not obligated to any investors. Finally, One Laptop per Child uses large scale orders to minimize marketing and distribution costs and to bulk order components to drive prices down. |
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=== Why is the laptop over $100? === |
=== Why is the laptop over $100? === |
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$100 is our target price and “The $100 Laptop” is a nickname. Currently, the XO’s cost around $180 to make. The manufacturer makes a small profit of a few dollars since they are a commercial business. However, |
$100 is our target price and “The $100 Laptop” is a nickname. Currently, the XO’s cost around $180 to make. The manufacturer (Quanta) makes a small profit of a few dollars since they are a commercial business. However, One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organization and will not make any profit on the laptop. The price fluctuates depending on the cost of materials and the occasional addition or subtraction of a feature. We expect the price to fall with mass production, hopefully reaching $100 within the next few years. |
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=== How do I make a donation? Can a donation be made for a specific country or school? === |
=== How do I make a donation? Can a donation be made for a specific country or school? === |
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'''Donating over the internet:''' Simple monetary contributions of any amount in which you do *not* receive any XO laptops may be made |
'''Donating over the internet:''' Simple monetary contributions of any dollar amount in which you do *not* receive any XO laptops may be made here: http://laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/ |
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Please see where it says "Amount to donate" and insert in the box next to it the amount you desire to donate securely through Google. |
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If you wanted to Simply Give in $ |
If you wanted to Simply Give in $199 increments, signifying one laptop per $199, also *not* receiving any XO laptops, please go to the link below and click on "Donate now": http://www.laptop.org/xo. |
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'''Donating by snail-mail:''' Outright contributions by check or money order in which you will *not* recieve any XO laptops |
'''Donating by snail-mail:''' Outright contributions by check or money order in which you will *not* recieve any XO laptops may be mailed to: |
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OLPC Foundation |
OLPC Foundation |
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P.O. Box 425087 |
P.O. Box 425087 |
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Cambridge Massachusetts, 02142 |
Cambridge Massachusetts, 02142 |
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U.S.A. |
U.S.A. |
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We regret, to keep our logistics simple, any donations made by the above methods cannot be designated to a specific school or country. The laptops will go to recipients in one of these countries: |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Countries |
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For large bulk purchases, in which you may donate the laptops to a designated country or organization, please email countries@laptop.org to start a dialogue with OLPC. |
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We are a 501(c)(3) organization and our EIN# is 20-5471780. |
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http://www.laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/givemany.shtml |
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or |
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http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/group-giving.php |
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Please email to inquire further about Give Many! |
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Email: givemany@laptop.org |
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The Give One Get One campaign is over and we cannot say if such a program will be repeated. (If so, certainly it will be noted on our website at www.laptop.org.) |
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=== Are you a non-profit and do you have a Federal Tax ID number? === |
=== Are you a non-profit and do you have a Federal Tax ID number? === |
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One Laptop per Child Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and our EIN# is: '''20-5471780''' If you make a donation and your company has a matching gift program, please see if they would be willing to match your gift to us. Thank you! |
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=== Do you accept group or corporate donations? === |
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Yes, please see the questions directly above this one about how to donate. To donate stock, please email stockdonations@laptop.org |
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=== Do you accept group or corporate donations (sponsoring over 100 laptops)? === |
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Yes, if you are interested in purchasing 100 or more laptops for donation to a designated recipient, please read more about our Give Many program: |
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http://www.laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/givemany.shtml |
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=== Is donating to OLPC tax deductible? === |
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or |
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http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/group-giving.php |
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Please contact the Give Many donor service team to inquire further: |
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email: givemany@laptop.org |
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phone: 1-800-379-7017 |
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=== Is donating to OLPC, either outright, or by participating in Give One Get One tax deductible? === |
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Yes, in the United States. If you gave a straight donation, the entire amount should be deductible. However, note that for Give One Get One, only half ($200) of the donation is tax deductible because you are receiving one of the laptops. The XO laptop is a material item considered "goods" and therefore cannot be deducted. (Unless you then give it back to us or donate it to another organization. The value of the XO laptop you received and then donated would be $199. Please see the next question if you would like to do this.) If you live in a country other than the United States, please consult with your financial advisor to determine the extent of tax deductibility. |
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We are a 501(c)(3) organization and our EIN# is 20-5471780. |
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=== What if I participated in Give One Get One and would like to donate my laptop back to OLPC to redistribute to another child? === |
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We thank you for your generous thought of donating back the laptop. It is very kind of you! |
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If you have the original packaging, please send in that box, or pack carefully in your own box, and mail to the address below. You will receive a thank you letter which will state the value at $199 for tax purposes. If you don't mind paying for the postage, we would greatly appreciate it. If you'd like us to pay for the postage, please email help@laptop.org with your exact street address and phone # (this is required for FedEx and DHL) and we can send you a pre-paid label. Please send to: |
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One Laptop per Child |
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Att: Give Another |
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One Cambridge Center, 10th floor |
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Cambridge, MA 02142 |
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The OLPC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and our EIN# is 20-5471780. As such, financial contributions may be deductible for federal income tax purposes. If you gave a straight donation, the entire amount should be deductible. Please consult with your financial advisor to determine the full extent of all tax deductibility. |
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We apologize that OLPC is not currently registered as a non-profit outside of the USA. |
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You may also be interested in giving your XO laptop to someone locally. Get a big smile for yourself! (If you donate it to an official organization, you should be able to get the appropriate receipt for your tax return directly from that organization. The value would be $199. We are a 501(c)(3) organization and our EIN# is 20-5471780.) |
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To donate your XO laptop, details are below. |
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=== Can OLPC send me a letter verifying my donation? === |
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=== If I have donated money to OLPC prior to the Give One Get One program, can I get an XO now? === |
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Unfortunately, OLPC cannot provide donation verification letters. For tax purposes, the e-mail containing your donation information and OLPC's EIN #20-5471780 should be sufficient. |
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We regret not. We sincerely thank you for your previous donation. Due to limited availability, we are only providing XO laptops to the general public who participated during the Give One Get One program, which ran through December 31st, 2007. |
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=== What if I participated in Give One Get One and would like to donate my laptop back to OLPC? === |
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We thank you for your generous thought of donating back your XO laptop. [[Support_FAQ#How_can_I_donate_my_.22Get_One.22_XO.3F|Click Here]] for details. |
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=== Do you accept donations of stock? === |
=== Do you accept donations of stock? === |
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Yes. Please instruct your broker to transfer stock to the OLPC Foundation through our broker, AG Edwards. DTC Clearing #0201. For the Benefit Of (FBO): OLPC Foundation; Account 70038685. For more details and to receive the appropriate acknowledgment from the OLPC Foundation, please send an email to stockdonations@laptop.org. |
Yes. Please instruct your broker to transfer stock to the OLPC Foundation through our broker, AG Edwards. DTC Clearing #0201. For the Benefit Of (FBO): OLPC Foundation; Account 70038685. For more details and to receive the appropriate acknowledgment from the OLPC Foundation, please send an email to stockdonations@laptop.org. |
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=== Can I or my organization be a recepient of the XO laptop? === |
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One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organization which manufactures the XO laptop and then sells them to governments in mass quantities or to agencies willing to buy 100 or more and then donate them to a worthy cause. We do not give the laptops away, we could not afford to do that, we are making no profit, even selling them. |
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That being said, during the Give One Get One campaign running through the end of 2007, we are indeed, through the generous donations of participants in G1G1, gathering funds to manufacture a number of laptops to give away. The final number will depend on how many are sold in the end. We regret to say there is no application process to receive these laptops. They are simply being donated, in proportions later to be determined by our Board of Directors, to the governments of a few of the poorest countries on earth: Haiti, Rwanda, Afganistan, Cambodia and Mongolia. If you were interested in the XO's going to a school in one of these countries, it would be best for you to lobby the government of the appropriate country to that effect. How exactly they are to be distributed is still being determined. We regret we cannot assist you with this lobbying. |
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Perhaps in the future there may be some sort of application process to receive an XO laptop. We are sorry that for now, there is not. |
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If you are an organization interested in buying 100+ laptops, please see the “Give Many” campaign. The website and contact information for “Give Many” is at: |
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http://www.laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/givemany.shtml |
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or |
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http://www.laptopgiving.org/en/group-giving.php |
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Line 391: | Line 254: | ||
We appreciate the generous offer of your time! Please see these links for ideas about volunteering: |
We appreciate the generous offer of your time! Please see these links for ideas about volunteering: |
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http:// |
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Support_Gang |
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http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Participate |
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Participate |
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http://laptop.org/manual/XO_HowToVolunteer.html |
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Also check out this Frequently Asked Question: |
Also check out this Frequently Asked Question: |
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=== Is it possible to intern at OLPC? === |
=== Is it possible to intern at OLPC? === |
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Please check this link: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Internships |
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Please check back very soon! We are working on creating some intern opportunities and will have links concerning this up here any day now. Thank you! |
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=== Does OLPC have any job openings? === |
=== Does OLPC have any job openings? === |
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Please check this career page link and apply as instructed there: http://www.laptop.org/en/utility/people/opportunities.shtml |
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Check our website. Any available jobs will be listed on our website at http://www.laptop.org/, and you are welcome to apply following the instructions there. |
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=== Is the laptop environmentally friendly? === |
=== Is the laptop environmentally friendly? === |
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It may be the “greenest” laptop in existence. We hope to make it even “greener” as it evolves. See here for details: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/ |
It may be the “greenest” laptop in existence. We hope to make it even “greener” as it evolves. See here for details: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Green_Machine |
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=== Who is behind these XO laptop computers? === |
=== Who is behind these XO laptop computers? === |
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The XO laptop computer |
The XO laptop computer has been developed by One Laptop per Child, a non-profit organization founded by MIT professor Nicholas Negroponte and a team of educators, developers and technologists dedicated to educating children with the goal of eradicating poverty. One Laptop Per Child is based on principles expressed by MIT Media Lab Professor Seymour Papert in the 1960s, and later elaborated upon by Alan Kay, and complemented by the principles articulated by Nicholas Negroponte in his book, Being Digital. Partner corporations including Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Brightstar, eBay, Google, Marvell, News Corporation, Nortel, Quanta, Chi Mei Group, Red Hat, and SES Astra are involved in this initiative. |
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=== I am a journalist. Who do I contact to do a story about One Laptop per Child? === |
=== I am a journalist. Who do I contact to do a story about One Laptop per Child? === |
||
Please send a concise email to press@ |
Please send a concise email to press@laptop.org, or call Jackie Lustig at (781) 487-4664. This is the office that handles OLPC's press and it is the only way to get an interview from a spokesperson of OLPC for your media outlet. |
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If you must mention a hard deadline in your email, please do so. |
If you must mention a hard deadline in your email, please do so. |
||
=== Can you send me pamphlets or other printed material? === |
=== Can you send me pamphlets or other printed material? === |
||
We do not have any printed material to distribute, information about our organization is online. One Laptop per Child's official website is at: http://www.laptop.org/ |
We do not have any printed material to distribute, information about our organization is online. One Laptop per Child's official website is at: http://www.laptop.org/ |
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Or you can even subscribe to the OLPC community news mailing list by clicking on http://lists.laptop.org/mailman/listinfo/community-news |
Or you can even subscribe to the OLPC community news mailing list by clicking on http://lists.laptop.org/mailman/listinfo/community-news |
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[[Category:Support]] |
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[[Category:OLPC FAQ]] |
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[[Category:Fundraising]] |
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[[Category:Fundraising idea]] |
Latest revision as of 23:14, 3 November 2015
How can I obtain an laptop?
See Buying XOs.
Will OLPC be offering Give One Get One (G1G1) again?
We have no plans to do so at this time, sorry. You can get an OLPC Tablet though.
How will my donation be used?
Your donation will be used to cover the cost of manufacturing, sending and setting-up laptops in some of the most remote and isolated parts of the world. This may also include power and connectivity infrastructure, teacher preparation and other technical and educational support.
Who do I contact if I have a question about my 2007 Give One Get One order?
Write to help@laptop.org (our OLPC technical staff).
Will these laptops be available for purchase in retail stores?
No, we have no plans for retail sale of the XO laptop at this time. The OLPC Tablet is available for retail sale though.
Can I or my organization be a recipient of the XO laptop?
Yes, but there is a minimum order quantity, see Buying XOs.
How will the laptop computers be marketed?
Our policy at the moment is to sell the laptops directly to governments or non-profit endeavors willing to order in volume.
Volume orders will get the manufacturing process rolling and drive the price down. Please have patience: the launch and distribution of the XO laptop is a process. We hope that our efforts, along with market forces in general, will contribute to affordable laptops being widely available in the near future so that everyone may benefit.
We receive many inquiries from worthwhile causes and lone individuals from around the world, doing amazing and noble humanitarian work. We applaud all these efforts and regret we cannot fully collaborate or donate laptops at this time. Hopefully, the government of the region in which you are interested, or a non-profit working in the area, may be purchasing the laptops. Again, feel free to lobby.
Why do children in developing nations need laptop computers?
The XO laptop as not merely a piece of equipment, but as an educational opportunity. Laptop computers can be a window and a tool: a window into the world and a tool with which to think. Computers are a wonderful way for all children to learn through independent interaction and exploration.
Why are these laptops going to children in developing nations when there are needy children in the U.S.?
In the U.S., the average expenditure for education is $7,500 dollars per child per year. In developing countries, the average expenditure is typically less than $300 dollars per child per year. One Laptop per Child is initially focused on where the need is most urgent.
However, wealthier nations and organizations are certainly not excluded. A number of U.S. states and cities have approached OLPC and expressed interest in the program. It is up to the relevant officials of a government entity or organization to contact us by emailing countries@laptop.org to start a dialogue. The participating governments or organizations will then distribute the XO laptops in a non-profit manner to their schools or participants. You are welcome to lobby any government or organization you wish on behalf of the XO laptop or simply the concept of one laptop per child. We regret that we cannot assist you in this lobbying, but we appreciate the efforts of those who share our vision.
Why not a desktop computer, or even better, a recycled desktop machine?
While desktops are cheaper, mobility is important, especially with regard to taking the computer home at night. Children in the developing world need the newest technology, especially rugged hardware and innovative software.
Why is it important for each child to have a computer? What's wrong with community access computer centers?
One does not think of community pencils—kids have their own. They are tools with which to think, sufficiently inexpensive to be used for work and play, drawing, writing, and mathematics. A computer can be the same, but far more powerful. Furthermore, there are many reasons it is important for a child to own something, like a football, doll, or book, not the least of which being that these belongings will be well maintained through love and care.
What is the laptop called and what can it do?
The laptop is an amazing machine, designed for children, called XO. It is quite rugged, GNU/Linux based, has 2 or 3 USB ports, wireless connectivity, a built in camera, a sunlight readable screen, and many other interesting features. It runs on very little power and there will be peripherals that will allow the laptop to run on solar or human power for regions off the grid.
Please browse pages of information about the XO’s specs here: http://one.laptop.org/about/hardware
Can the XO connect to the internet?
Yes, the XO comes with wifi.
Can I load Microsoft Windows onto the XO laptop?
No.
OLPC maintains a firm and unequivocal commitment to open source software. Having an open system is fundamental to OLPC's mission, please see: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Core_principles/lang-en
Any software developed by or for OLPC is released under GPL v2. The open source community remains a critical success factor in the our mission.
Can I print from the XO Laptop?
No, there is no built-in support. Some deployments add support from the Fedora Linux operating system.
How do I get upgrades for the operating system of my XO?
See Releases.
Can I load flash on the XO?
An Adobe Flash proprietary plug-in may be available, but is not supported by OLPC.
Can I load java on the XO?
Yes, a Java environment is available as part of Fedora Linux.
What can a $1,000 laptop computer do that the XO Laptop cannot?
The XO laptop is a computer built for learning and designed specifically with children in mind. Because of this, the features deemed most valuable for its purposes are as good (and in many cases, better) than comparable features on a $1000 laptop. For instance, the XO’s screen can be viewed as clearly as a newspaper in broad daylight, and the wireless range of the XO is several times farther than your average laptop. It's also more rugged, resilient and power efficient than most other laptops on the market. While other features, such as power and speed, cannot compare to a $1000 machine, they are excellent for the XO’s $200 price point and meet the necessary requirements for learning.
Can I get replacement parts for my XO laptop?
Deployments can order parts from OLPC in bulk, and would normally do so as part of the initial purchase.
Individuals should see obtaining replacement parts and repairs.
If am a skilled technical person or content developer and want to help the project, what can I do?
If you are thinking of offering your help, thank you! Please explore the wiki for collaboration possibilities. You can find project suggestions and projects under development for the XO laptop. Our Participate and "How to Volunteer" pages are the best places to start. The following are of particular interest to tech & content developers:
Home page: http://wiki.laptop.org
Getting involved with OLPC: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Getting_involved_in_OLPC
Software projects under development or completed: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Software_projects
Ideas about contributing content: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributing_content
May we work with OLPC on a research project or collaborative venture?
We are very grateful for your offer, but need to concentrate on the launch of the laptop and regret we do not have the human resources available to collaborate in the many creative ways that are suggested. Feel free to lobby your government officials or other organizations who may be able to purchase a large bulk order of XO laptops. They may email countries@laptop.org to start a dialogue with OLPC.
If you are a vendor, marketer, manufacturer, importer, wholesaler or distributor, we have filed your company information and will get back to you if we need your services. Thank you.
Please see this question for collaboration possibilities as well:
May we fundraise on behalf of OLPC?
Thank you very much for your very kind thoughts of fundraising! We truly appreciate it.
Because we are such a small team and are entirely concentrated on launching the laptop, we regret we have no personnel to monitor, assist or collaborate in such endeavors. Nor do we have any printed material we can send you, but you are welcome to print out pages for yourself from our website: http://www.laptop.org and http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Home
Please remember that all materials must be reproduced with proper attribution and none of the information, images or other content can be use for commercial purposes or for your personal benefit.
There are some pictures you may use here: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Pictures
There are some presentations here, scroll down to where it says Slides, posters and materials: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/XO_roadshows
There is a growing archive of presentations(slides & video) as well at http://download.laptop.org/content
If the idea you have proposed raises funds for us, we are very grateful!
Checks for simple donations, *not* related to receiving any computers, can be sent to:
One Laptop per Child Foundation
PO Box 425087
Cambridge, MA 02142
It is also possible to give directly with a credit card through the link here on our website, *not* related to receiving any computers:
http://laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/
At this time, any donations made in the above manner cannot be designated to a specific school or country.
If I have a question about content, or want to contribute to it, what should I do?
Please direct your well summarized email to content@laptop.org
Or visit this web page: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Contributing_content
The content team will get back to you if they are able to collaborate. Otherwise, they thank you very much for the idea and will keep your email on file.
Can someone from OLPC come speak with us or participate in our event?
If you email OLPC and do not receive an additional email from us other than the automated reply within a few weeks, then we regret we will be unable to attend or participate. We are sorry that, for now, our staff is simply too small to be able to attend all the interesting events to which we are invited, as much as we would like to.
Good luck with your event and we do thank you very much for thinking of us!
May I (or my group or institution) visit your office?
Unfortunately, no, we are not set up for public visits.
Who is the manufacturer of the XO laptop computer?
Quanta Computer Inc. of Taiwan is the original design manufacturer (ODM) of the XO laptop. Quanta is the world’s largest laptop manufacturer and makes laptops for Apple, HP, Dell among many others.
How is it possible to get the cost of the laptop so low?
First, by dramatically lowering the cost of the display. The first-generation computer will have a novel, dual-mode display that represents improvements to the LCD displays commonly found in inexpensive DVD players. Second, we have also worked to get the fat out of our software systems. In other words, our laptop computers operate more efficiently. The XO’s operating system is based on a free and open source version of GNU/Linux. Third, One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organization that is not obligated to any investors. Finally, One Laptop per Child uses large scale orders to minimize marketing and distribution costs and to bulk order components to drive prices down.
Why is the laptop over $100?
$100 is our target price and “The $100 Laptop” is a nickname. Currently, the XO’s cost around $180 to make. The manufacturer (Quanta) makes a small profit of a few dollars since they are a commercial business. However, One Laptop per Child is a non-profit organization and will not make any profit on the laptop. The price fluctuates depending on the cost of materials and the occasional addition or subtraction of a feature. We expect the price to fall with mass production, hopefully reaching $100 within the next few years.
How do I make a donation? Can a donation be made for a specific country or school?
Donating over the internet: Simple monetary contributions of any dollar amount in which you do *not* receive any XO laptops may be made here: http://laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/ Please see where it says "Amount to donate" and insert in the box next to it the amount you desire to donate securely through Google.
If you wanted to Simply Give in $199 increments, signifying one laptop per $199, also *not* receiving any XO laptops, please go to the link below and click on "Donate now": http://www.laptop.org/xo.
Donating by snail-mail: Outright contributions by check or money order in which you will *not* recieve any XO laptops may be mailed to:
OLPC Foundation P.O. Box 425087 Cambridge Massachusetts, 02142 U.S.A.
We regret, to keep our logistics simple, any donations made by the above methods cannot be designated to a specific school or country. The laptops will go to recipients in one of these countries:
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Countries
For large bulk purchases, in which you may donate the laptops to a designated country or organization, please email countries@laptop.org to start a dialogue with OLPC.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization and our EIN# is 20-5471780.
Are you a non-profit and do you have a Federal Tax ID number?
One Laptop per Child Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and our EIN# is: 20-5471780 If you make a donation and your company has a matching gift program, please see if they would be willing to match your gift to us. Thank you!
Do you accept group or corporate donations?
Yes, please see the questions directly above this one about how to donate. To donate stock, please email stockdonations@laptop.org
Is donating to OLPC tax deductible?
The OLPC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and our EIN# is 20-5471780. As such, financial contributions may be deductible for federal income tax purposes. If you gave a straight donation, the entire amount should be deductible. Please consult with your financial advisor to determine the full extent of all tax deductibility.
We apologize that OLPC is not currently registered as a non-profit outside of the USA.
To donate your XO laptop, details are below.
Can OLPC send me a letter verifying my donation?
Unfortunately, OLPC cannot provide donation verification letters. For tax purposes, the e-mail containing your donation information and OLPC's EIN #20-5471780 should be sufficient.
What if I participated in Give One Get One and would like to donate my laptop back to OLPC?
We thank you for your generous thought of donating back your XO laptop. Click Here for details.
Do you accept donations of stock?
Yes. Please instruct your broker to transfer stock to the OLPC Foundation through our broker, AG Edwards. DTC Clearing #0201. For the Benefit Of (FBO): OLPC Foundation; Account 70038685. For more details and to receive the appropriate acknowledgment from the OLPC Foundation, please send an email to stockdonations@laptop.org.
Are there volunteer opportunities with OLPC?
We appreciate the generous offer of your time! Please see these links for ideas about volunteering:
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Support_Gang
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Participate
http://laptop.org/manual/XO_HowToVolunteer.html
Also check out this Frequently Asked Question: #If am a skilled technical person or content developer and want to help the project, what can I do?.
Feel free to email volunteer@laptop.org as well. Thank you!
Is it possible to intern at OLPC?
Please check this link: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Internships
Does OLPC have any job openings?
Please check this career page link and apply as instructed there: http://www.laptop.org/en/utility/people/opportunities.shtml
Is the laptop environmentally friendly?
It may be the “greenest” laptop in existence. We hope to make it even “greener” as it evolves. See here for details: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Green_Machine
Who is behind these XO laptop computers?
The XO laptop computer has been developed by One Laptop per Child, a non-profit organization founded by MIT professor Nicholas Negroponte and a team of educators, developers and technologists dedicated to educating children with the goal of eradicating poverty. One Laptop Per Child is based on principles expressed by MIT Media Lab Professor Seymour Papert in the 1960s, and later elaborated upon by Alan Kay, and complemented by the principles articulated by Nicholas Negroponte in his book, Being Digital. Partner corporations including Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Brightstar, eBay, Google, Marvell, News Corporation, Nortel, Quanta, Chi Mei Group, Red Hat, and SES Astra are involved in this initiative.
I am a journalist. Who do I contact to do a story about One Laptop per Child?
Please send a concise email to press@laptop.org, or call Jackie Lustig at (781) 487-4664. This is the office that handles OLPC's press and it is the only way to get an interview from a spokesperson of OLPC for your media outlet.
If you must mention a hard deadline in your email, please do so.
Can you send me pamphlets or other printed material?
We do not have any printed material to distribute, information about our organization is online. One Laptop per Child's official website is at: http://www.laptop.org/
Are there news updates I can follow about OLPC?
Official periodic news updates from the OLPC Team can be found at: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/News
Or you can even subscribe to the OLPC community news mailing list by clicking on http://lists.laptop.org/mailman/listinfo/community-news