$100 ($175) laptops for Africa?

[Guest]

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[Dalia]

Hi all,

Dalia here, Kiva Fellow volunteering in Togo.  First of all, thanks to all who have already supported the motorcycle fund, we are very close to reaching our goal and I have already purchased the first bike.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out my blog: www.lodedalia.blogspot.com.

Regarding the laptops, I was wondering if anybody has information on the $100 (or is it higher now) laptops that were invented to work specifically in Africa.  Microfund Togo is in desperate need of inexpensive computers for the field officers, and with the electricity problems here I thought it would be a great option.  I just don't know much about them or the best way to go about purchasing them?  Does anyone have access to a donation center that might want to donate some of them?

Any info would be helpful.  If you can, please also email me.
Thanks,
Dalia

[chris]

You're referring to One Laptop Per Child.  I think the original plan was that each laptop would be sold for $100 each to governments of developing countries for distribution to children, with an online purchase option of $200 for individuals (one laptop going to them, the other donated to a child in need).  But last I heard, they had scrapped the individual purchase option.

I think a durable laptop with hand-crank power would be well suited for MFIs to use.  You can try using the contact link on the OLPC site and see if they'll donate a few.  Otherwise, maybe a used laptop donation program (like Kiva's camera donation program) is in order?

[shale]

It will still be several months before they are available for sale (for 175$, not 100$). They will probably not be sold to individuals.
They are not designed as general purpose laptops. You will not be able to run Windows software on it.

[Dalia]

Thanks for the feedback.  I guess that loptop is not the best option.  I think Kiva might already have a used laptop program??  Not sure, but I was hoping to be able to find a way to get them at least 50 cheap or donated laptops.  Any ideas?

Dalia