Official OLPC FAQ
How can I buy a laptop?
From November 12th to November 26th, 2007, your $399 donation will fund an XO laptop going to a needy child and you can receive one for yourself in the US or Canada. (We are sorry, for now, we are limited to the US and Canada.) Sure, you may order more than one! The website, starting November 12th, will instruct you how to do this. Please visit:
To purchase 100 or more laptops and designate the recipient of all the laptops through our Give Many program, please visit:
http://www.laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/givemany.shtml
See also the questions starting at #How do I make a donation? Can a donation be made for a specific country or school? for donation related inquiries.
When will we receive a laptop purchased through the G1G1 or Give Many program?
We will make every effort to deliver XO laptops by the holidays, but quantities are limited. Early purchasers have the best chance of receiving their XO laptops in time for the holidays, but because the laptops are manufactured based on demand, we cannot guarantee timing. It may well be the first quarter of next year that your laptop would arrive. We hope you agree that this is more about the giving.
Will these laptops be available for purchase in retail stores?
No. Other than the G1G1 program described above, 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. (The G1G1 campaign is helping us fundraise and spread awareness.) Surely it will be noted on our website if the laptop does become commercially available.
How will the laptop computers be marketed?
Our policy at the moment is to sell the laptops in bulk orders directly to governments. Developing countries are the most actively engaged with OLPC but we have not excluded wealthier nations. We certainly understand that there are needy children even in the wealthiest nations; indeed, all children are deserving. The idea in the long run is one laptop per child—everywhere! It is up to the relevant officials of a country or government entity to contact us, and we begin negotiating from there. The participating governments will then distribute the laptops to their schools. (The link below shows which countries are in what stages of negotiation.) You are welcome to lobby any government you wish on behalf of our laptop or simply the idea of one laptop per child. We regret we cannot assist you in this lobbying, but we appreciate it.
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.
We receive 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. Feel free to participate in the G1G1 or Get Many campaign (see links at top of page) and receive your laptop in the future. Or, hopefully, the government of the region you are interested in may be purchasing the laptops. Again, feel free to lobby. Please have patience; getting low cost laptops distributed throughout the world is a process.
To see which countries are involved, go to:
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Countries
To see a map of these countries:
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.
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. 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. Also, please see 3.
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. 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.
What is the laptop called and what can it do?
It is an amazing machine, designed for children, called XO. It is quite rugged, GNU/Linux based, has 3 USB ports, gets the internet wirelessly, has 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-grid. We regret we do not have time to answer technical questions; our engineers are too busy perfecting the XO.
Please browse pages of information about the XO’s specs here: http://www.laptop.org/en/laptop/
Can the laptop get the internet wirelessly?
Absolutely, the XO is very good at picking up wireless connections. The XO has no Ethernet port, but has 3 USB ports, so if you don’t have wireless, you can hook up to your internet connection in the wall using a USB-Ethernet adapter. This is a widely available, inexpensive item.
Can I load Microsoft Windows or my own software onto the XO laptop?
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 http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Activities
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.
What if am a skilled technical person and want to help the project, what can I do?
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:
Home page: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Home
Software projects under development or completed: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Software_projects
Getting involved with OLPC: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Getting_involved_in_OLPC
Guidelines for developing activities: http://wiki.laptop.org/go/OLPC_Human_Interface_Guidelines
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.
http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Developers_program
How do I access Tech Support?
Because OLPC is a non-profit company, we are unable to provide direct technical support. One goal of the project is that children will learn to troubleshoot the XO themselves and subsequently use their experiences to help others. Information can be found in an online support community, as well as via a wiki and the web, email lists, and IRC channels. A fee-based service will also be available to those who desire it.
May we work with OLPC on a research project, fundraising event, 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 browse the olpc wiki/online community or lobby your Department or Ministry of Education on behalf of One Laptop per Child or just the concept of one laptop per child.
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.
Can someone from OLPC come speak with us or participate in our event?
If you do not receive an additional email from us other than this one within a few weeks, then we thank you kindly for the invitation, but will be unable to attend. Good luck with your event.
May I (or my group or institution) visit your office?
Unfortunately, we are not set up for public visits.
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.
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” 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, we are 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?
Please see Answer #1 for how to participate in the Give One Get One and Give Many programs. With G1G1, you specify where the laptop you are receiving is to be shipped within the US or Canada, but cannot specify where the donated laptop is going. With the Give Many program, buying 100 or more laptops, you can specify where the laptops will be sent. Again, see links at the very top.
Also, simple monetary contributions in which you do NOT receive any laptops may be made online at: http://laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/
Outright contributions by check or money order (NOT related to G1G1 or Give Many) may be mailed to:
OLPC Foundation P.O. Box 425087 Cambridge Massachusetts, 02142 U.S.A.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization and if your company has a matching gift program, our EIN# is: 20-5471780
Do you accept group or corporate donations (sponsoring over 100 laptops)?
Yes, please call our group donor line at 1-800-379-7017. When you purchase 100 or more XO laptops for donation, you can choose where you would like the laptops sent. Price depends on the quantity. Please read about Give Many here:
www.laptopfoundation.org/en/participate/givemany.shtml
Our EIN# is: 20-5471780
Is donating to OLPC, either outright, or buy participating in Give One Get One tax deductible?
Yes, in the United States. However, note that for G1G1, only half of the donation is tax deductible because you are receiving one of the laptops. If you live in a country other than the United States, please consult with your financial advisor to determine the extent of tax deductibility.
We are a 501(c)(3) organization and our EIN# is 20-5471780.
If I have donated money to OLPC prior to the Give One Get One program, can I get an XO now?
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 during the Give One Get One program, which runs from November 12 to November 26.
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 acknowledgement from the OLPC Foundation, please send an email to stockdonations@laptop.org.
How do I volunteer or become an Intern?
We appreciate your kind offer. At this time we are not actively seeking either, but we may well need your help in the future. If you have indicated your desire to volunteer or intern, we are keeping your name on file and will email you when that need arises. Thank you!
Does OLPC have any job openings?
Check our website. Any available jobs will be listed under “career”, and you are welcome to apply following the instructions there.
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/Environmental_Impact
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.
I am a journalist. Who do I contact 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.