OLPC Announces Buy-2-Get-1 XO Laptop Sale

theodp writes "Starting November 12, The One Laptop Per Child Project will sell its affordable XO laptop to Americans for a brief period of time, but there's a slight catch: U.S. buyers must purchase two computers — one for their own child and one for a child in the developing world — for a total cost of $399. 'Staff members of the laptop project were concerned that American children might try the pared-down machines and find them lacking compared to their Apple, Hewlett-Packard or Dell laptops. Then, in this era of immediate global communications, they might post their criticisms on Web sites and blogs read around the world, damaging the reputation of the XO Laptop, the project staff worried. So the laptop project sponsored focus-group research with American children, ages 7 to 11, at the end of August. The results were reassuringly positive.'"

Comments

$100+$100 = $399?

[skinfitz]

I thought this was the $100 laptop?

If so, how is it buying two costs $399?

Or are they Canadian dollars?

Re:$100+$100 = $399?

[Poromenos1]

Didn't you hear? The "Canadian dollar" jokes were switched for "American dollar" jokes recently.

Re:$100+$100 = $399?

[ultranova]

I thought this was the $100 laptop?

If so, how is it buying two costs $399?

Because they are built around old Pentium processors. It's just a little rounding error, nothing to be upset about.

In other news, several telecom companies have offered to by old Pentiums for their billing systems.

I like the XO, but I am tired of the fleecing ....

[WindBourne]

that Americans take. They will sell the systems here, but only at a double price. And yet, these systems will soon be in other countries at the low prices.

In addition, we buy these systems, and one will be sent to a developing nation. Well, I have been watching American education heading backwards. While I have defended our Education, it was more based on what I recall as a child. IOW, my generation KNEW the geography that we are accused of not knowing. But I talk to kids today and it is obvious that their core knowledge is degrading (as well as their desire to work). I worry about my kids (1 and 3.5) future. I would like to see at least some of these computers go to American schools. Do not get me wrong. I like donating to developing countries, but we also need to take care of home. Our inner cities need help. Even rural schools could use these.

Re:I like the XO, but I am tired of the fleecing .

[onion2k]

I worry about my kids (1 and 3.5) future.

Is your next kid going to be named '95'?

Re:I like the XO, but I am tired of the fleecing .

[pimpimpim]

Don't get me wrong, but I personally believe that US Americans are unable to get good education, because Osama people in the nation, and I believe that the education over here in the US should help countries such as everywhere like the Iraq and South Africa such as, to be able to get a good future.

Wait! Wait! This is confusing!

[N3wsByt3]

"Buy a Laptop for a Child, Get Another Laptop Free"

We're getting a $100 laptop for free when we pay $399 for two?!

Luckily both weren't for free, or we would have to pay $799!

Re:Canadian Coins Too

[Fred_A]

It's true here too, for example the 1 Euro coins from Belgium, Germany and France are amazingly similar...