Tech & Biz

How a $100 Laptop Can Change the World

by urbano411 | September 24, 2007 at 10:36 am

517 views | 5 Recommendations | 4 comments

One man's dream is on its way to becoming a reality!

Computer enthusiasts in the developed world will soon be able to get their hands on the so-called "$100 laptop".

The organisation behind the project has launched the "give one, get one" scheme that will allow US residents to purchase two laptops for $399 (£198).

One laptop will be sent to the buyer whilst a child in the developing world will receive the second machine

The G1G1 scheme, as it is known, will offer the laptops for just two weeks, starting on the 12 November.

The offer to the general public comes after the project's founder admitted that concrete orders from the governments of developing nations had not always followed verbal agreements

Nicholas Negroponte told the New York Times: "I have to some degree underestimated the difference between shaking the hand of a head of state and having a cheque written.

"And yes, it has been a disappointment."

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Kaitlin

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 13:02 on September 24th, 2007

urbano411, thanks for posting this...I was just about to! It's a great way to get this project going, for sure. I like the idea of the $100 laptop, even though the project has been criticized for the time it has taken to get started, the price increase, and even for existing at all ("Couldn't the money be better spent on community building, etc."). Here's another story from a few days ago:

http://www.nowpublic.com/technology/one-laptop-child-experiencing-growing-pains

This move may be the one that saves this project from going under. Thanks for posting, urbano.

urbano411

at 18:07 on September 24th, 2007

This is a good idea no matter when it happens. A great opportunity
for parents who's own children need this technology to get and give
such a powerful tool. New young bloggers, writers, journalist,
film-makers, musicians, designers, programmers, artist and more just
waiting for the tools. This needs to work!

Siempre Siembra

urbano411

at 18:12 on September 24th, 2007

Each of us know a child that needs a computer now we can help two children

glemak

at 07:03 on September 26th, 2007

seems like an interesting angle for the program - i was impressed when i visited mit and talked to the folks behind the $100 laptop initiative as i posted on my blog...