Ask OLPC a Question about Give 1 Get 1/Summary

How will my donation be used?

Your donation will be used to expand the programs, reach, and overall mission of One Laptop Per Child. Currently, One Laptop Per Child is able to allocate 95 cents of each dollar raised to acquire and distribute laptop computers for children in need.

Why did I see a different price somewhere for the XO laptop?

$200 dollars is the bundled price to donate an XO laptop computer. This price includes the shipping cost.

How much do you recommend I donate?

Any amount that you donate will help us provide laptop computers to children in need in the developing world. Every $200 dollars donated will provide a deserving child with a laptop computer of their own.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. The OLPC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (EIN# 20-5471780). As such, financial contributions may be deductible for federal income tax purposes. Please consult with your financial advisor to determine the extent of tax deductibility.

Do I get a laptop computer with my donation?

Not at this time. Your donation will be used exclusively to expand the programs, reach, and overall mission of One Laptop Per Child. Your generous contribution will help us manufacture and distribute more laptop computers for children in need. Beginning November 12th, you will have the separate opportunity to get an XO laptop computer for your child as well as give a laptop to another child for only $399 dollars.

How is it possible to get the cost 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 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.

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 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.

Why do children in developing nations need laptop computers?

Laptop computers are both 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.

How come these laptops are going to kids in developing nations when we have needy children in the U.S.?

In the U.S., the average expenditure for education is $10,000 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. A number of U.S. states have approached One Laptop Per Child and expressed interest in the program, and in the long run, One Laptop Per Child hopes to work with those states and help children everywhere.

Why not a desktop computer, or even better, a recycled desktop machine?

Desktops are cheaper, but mobility is important, especially with regard to taking the computer home at night. Kids in the developing world need the newest technology, especially really 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 to think with, 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.

How will these laptop computers be marketed?

The laptop computers will be primarily sold to governments of developing nations at this time. A limited number of laptop computers will be available for purchase for $399 through us after November 12th as part of a Give 1 Get 1 initiative. Essentially, consumers will be able to buy two laptop computers. One will be distributed to a child in need and you will receive the other one.

When do you anticipate these laptop computers reaching the market?

Our schedule is to have units ready for shipment by late 2007. A limited number of laptop computers will be available for purchase in North America for a limited time from November 12th to November 26th. They will initially only be available as part of a Give 1 Get 1 initiative. Essentially, consumers will be able to buy two laptop computers for $399. One will be distributed to a child in need and you will receive the other one.

How can I buy a laptop computer?

Laptop computers are not for sale at this time. We are planning a Give 1 Get 1 initiative. Essentially, consumers will be able to buy two laptop computers for $399. One will be distributed to a child in need and you will receive the other one. A very limited number of laptop computers will be available for this promotion beginning November 12th. If you are interested in receiving updates about this initiative, we can put you on our email list. You will only be able to take advantage of this promotion by calling this toll-free telephone number, or visiting our website on or after November 12th.

Will these laptop computers be available for purchase in retail stores?

Not at this time.

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.

Who is behind these XO laptop computers?

The XO laptop computer is being 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 in developing countries with the goal of eradicating poverty. One Laptop Per Child is based on principles expressed 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), Intel, Brightstar, eBay, Google, Marvell, News Corporation, Nortel, Quanta, Chi Mei Group, Red Hat, and SES Astra are involved in this initiative.

Do you accept corporate or in-kind donations of goods and services?

Yes. Please call 1-800-201-7144.

I am a journalist and would like to do a story about One Laptop Per Child.

Please send an email to press@racepointgroup.com, or call Jackie Lustig at (781) 487-4664.