How will my donation be used?

Your donation will be used to expand the programs, reach, and overall mission of One Laptop Per Child. Currently, One Laptop Per Child is able to allocate 95 cents of each dollar raised to acquire and distribute laptop computers for children in need.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes. The OLPC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. As such, financial contributions may be deductible for federal income tax purposes. Please consult with your financial advisor to determine the extent of tax deductibility.

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 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.

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 $1,000 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 $1,000 machine, they are excellent for the XO’s $200 price point and meet the necessary requirements for learning.

Can I load Microsoft Windows ™ onto the XO laptop?

No. The XO laptop features the Linux operating system and includes software specifically designed for children and the XO. However, Microsoft Word ™ and PowerPoint ™ documents can be opened on the XO laptop. Additionally, there are thousands of developers around the world currently creating software and content for the XO. For more information, visit http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Activities.

What kinds of power sources can I use with the XO laptop?

In addition to plugging the laptop into an electrical outlet (110-240 volts AC), the XO laptop can be powered by solar energy and human energy with pull cords and hand cranks. The XO laptop can take a DC input ranging from 11 volts to 40 volts, a range that’s far more flexible than most portable devices. The XO laptop is remarkably energy efficient, using only 5-10 percent of the average wattage of a standard laptop. For formal specifications, visit http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Hardware_specification#Specifications.

Please note that G1G1 laptops are not bundled with any alternative energy sources (crank, solar panel etc.) besides the included AC adapter.

I have questions about my XO laptop. Where can I find answers?

Please visit laptop.org/gettingstarted for a detailed overview of the laptop, the software and a list of troubleshooting items.

Are the keyboards and software of the XO laptop always in English?

All XO laptops sent to developing nations have the appropriate keyboard and software to suit the primary language of those nations.

Why do children in developing nations need laptop computers?

Laptop computers are both a window and a tool – a window out to 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.

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.

Why are the Xs and Os different colors on each XO laptop?

Individual child ownership is a core principle of OLPC. Ownership of the XO laptop by children in developing nations is coupled with new duties and responsibilities, such as protecting, caring for, and sharing this valuable equipment. The Xs and Os are made in 20 colors each, resulting in 400 different color combinations. By doing this, we ensure that in a village or school of up to 400 children, each child will have their own unique, easily identifiable XO laptop. These colors are mixed and shipped randomly, so the XO laptops that are shipped to North America as part of the Give One Get One program cannot be customized. We hope you enjoy your distinctive XO color combination.

Can I designate where my donated laptop goes?

OLPC works with governments of developing nations that purchase and distribute the laptops in high volumes (tens and hundreds of thousands of units) in order to achieve maximum penetration and societal impact within a country. Therefore, unless you donate a large number of laptops (100 or more), it is impossible to designate a specific destination for your donated laptop. If you would like to donate a group of 100 or more laptops, please call 1-800-379-7017.

How are these laptop computers marketed?

The laptop computers are primarily sold to governments of developing nations. In addition, laptops may be donated to an OLPC participant country in the developing world. Donors of 100 or more laptops are able to designate a specific location for their donated laptops to be sent.

How can I get an XO laptop computer?

During the Give One Get One program, donors were able to donate one an XO laptop to a child in a developing nation and receive an XO laptop in recognition of the contribution. This program ended on December 31, 2007.

Will these laptop computers be available for purchase in retail stores?

Not at this time.

I participated in Give One Get One. When will I receive my laptop?

XO laptop delivery dates depend upon when you donated to the Give One Get One program and where you live. Please click here for more information.

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.

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 by 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.

How does OLPC afford its professional services?

All of OLPC's professional services are offered to the non-profit on a pro-bono or below market rate basis. Many have been involved with the organization for years and many more have joined recently as part of the volunteer army responsible for the Give One Get One program. OLPC thanks all who contributed their services and resources to make Give One Get One possible, including Citibank, Foley Hoeg LLP, Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, Software Freedom Center, Pentagram, Nurun, W2 Group, Racepoint, Digital Influence Group, Eleven Inc., J2, Imagic, StreetGang Films, CosmoStreet, Ravenswork, Upland Productions Inc., Patriot Communications LLC, U.S. International Media, CAA Foundation, Dan Adler, Stephen Michaud, Mark Serr, John Greenleigh, Laurie Cochran, JJ Elliott, Len Fink and Hilary Meserole. We also would like to thank PayPal for handling our online donation transactions, the OLPC partner corporations for their continued support, and the range of generous media companies that donated media time and space to our PSA campaign.

How can I get a copy of the Give One Get One poster?

Please click here.

Do you accept group or corporate donations (over 100 laptops)?

Yes. Please call our group donor line at 1-800-379-7017.

What are the benefits of a group donation?

When you donate 100 or more XO laptops, you can choose where you would like your donated laptops sent.

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.

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 about the XO laptop and its software can be found at laptop.org/gettingstarted. If you have questions that are not addressed in the troubleshooting section, please click here to send us an email.

What is your EIN?

Our US tax-exempt ID number is 20-5471780.

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 can I help spread the word about OLPC?

If you would like to join our grassroots support team, please send us an email at grassroots@lists.laptop.org. Thank you!

For additional questions please email us at service@laptopgiving.org or call at 1-800-201-7144.