The One Laptop Per Child program’s Give One Get One promotion (which I blogged about back in November) has been extended through the end of December 31 (today!!).
If you’re in the U.S. or Canada, for $399 ($200 of which is tax deductible) you can donate a spiffy new and super-cool XO laptop to a child in a developing country and get one for yourself.
Santa (who apparently reads this blog) availed himself of the offer and brought an XO laptop to the sprogs. It’s set up with Linux (a plus for many people), although some bits are a little buggy (but free upgrades are expected to be available soon). The favorite feature right now is the video recording capability via the built in camera and microphone.
It’s a neat little feat of engineering, and the OLPC program has a vision of bringing education (not just technology) to families (not just kids) in the developing world. If you’re trying to do a last bit of philanthropy before the calendar turns over, this is an option worth considering.
We ordered three (pairs). The first two are already here and Mrs.Coturnix and Coturnietta are using them all the time. Coturnix Jr. is waiting for his. I am still thinking, as there are only a few hours left, if I should get one for myself, for travel as my work laptop weighs a few tons (you’ve seen the beast).
We talked about it, but the order never materialized. I’m hoping the OLPC people decide to do the offer again, as I’d love to have one.
If you’re trying to do a last bit of philanthropy before the calendar turns over, this is an option worth considering.
That’s a wonderful program! I have a link on my site to what is called BOGO. It is a buy one and give one free deal on solar powered flashlights! I have one and it is great! I don’t make any money from this, but it is a great product and you can pick who gets the free one from around 30 different places. Lots of third world places where having any light at night is a Quantum leap forward!
Dave Briggs :~)
I am trying very hard not to be cynical, and fervently hoping that the OLPC program is better at performing its primary mission than it is at distributing laptops to donors. I am still waiting for mine, ordered on the first day of the program, in November, but alas all Canadian shipments are delayed while they figure out the customs paperwork.