Today I purchased a laptop for a child in the developing world. The laptops were supposed to cost $100 each however they were only able to get it down to $200. However they have a program where you can buy a machine for $400 – they will send one to you and a second machine to a child in a developing country. Critics of the program feel that it would be better to send food, water, and medicine. I don’t disagree with that position but if these computers can help educate people and give them a glimpse into a world they know nothing about – I find that a worthy goal.
The machines themselves are pretty cool. They use hand cranks so they don’t require an electrical infrastructure and have wifi built in. They run open source software in order to keep the price down. Funny enough this has Microsoft worried since this could potentially create entire communities of Linux users. Although I think some people are being a bit harsh especially given the philanthrophic work of the Gates foundation in the developing world. Although the thought of some poor Microsoft engineer trying to cram Vista onto this box amuses me greatly.
But back to the issue at hand. Make your donation today – half of the purchase is tax deductible and after I check out the machine they send me I plan to donate it to a local school or needy family in the Seattle area.