One Laptop Per Child program

massahwahl

massahwahl

VIP Member
Has anyone heard about this cool program?

http://laptop.org/en/index.shtml

check it out, but heres the premisses. Nicholas Negroponte came up with the idea to develop a 'child friendly' laptop computer powered by AMD technology to distribute to 3rd world countries for use by children in the classroom. The unit is small but packs a punch with built in wifi and tons of other useful features relevant to students including a hand crank to power the laptop in case it dies when in need. Through his work, he can build and distribute the units for $188 with the help of donations (this is a not for profit organization). Do some research on it and see what you think. Recently intel being the bi***es they are also developed a similar project to combat Nicholas Negroponte AMD machine progress. Basically, Intel does not want a AMD machine to have a one up on them and see it as a merketing ploy rather than a good deed.

So Im curious to know if anyone else here would feel strongly enough to maybe but together some funds to donate one of these machines as a gift from Computer Forum. Ive done work like this before (For the VH1 save the music fund) and would like to take responsibility to find out how we could go about doing this safely and effectively. Let me know if you would be interested, I wont get more info if no one thinks its a good idea. Thanks!
 
I don't understand why they give laptops out to 3rd world countries when American kids can't afford laptops either.
 
There are a lot of people in the world that cant, but in this program they chose under developed countries to give them to. American kids may not be able to afford laptops but at least they have easier access to education and schools. The program will expand to help people in this country as well soon if you would have read the article on the webpage you would have seen that...
 
I think it is a good idea to give these laptops to kids in third world countries. With the laptops these kids will be to busy playing solitaire to remember they havent eaten for 2 weeks.

This may be a HUGE generalization, but I think that there would be a big increase in the number of scams. NOT to mention these laptops getting stolen and used by NON students.

Seriously this is a dumb idea. Lets invest millions of dollars to get these kids laptops, when they could just trade them for shoes, food, a goat.. or a gun.

You cant read? Here is a laptop, learn to read from the internet.

This program is a waste of time, money and resources. No wonder AMD's Stock has gone through the floor, they are supporting programs like this.
 
its a great program, its just that a good chunk of people on CoFo dont really have the funds to spare because we're mostly under 18~ here....
NO FLAMING PEOPLE UNDER 18!!!!

we could do something similar to this, like donate older PC's to certain foundations who will give them to the needy, ya know what i mean?
 
Trizoy said:
I think it is a good idea to give these laptops to kids in third world countries. With the laptops these kids will be to busy playing solitaire to remember they havent eaten for 2 weeks.

This may be a HUGE generalization, but I think that there would be a big increase in the number of scams. NOT to mention these laptops getting stolen and used by NON students.

Seriously this is a dumb idea. Lets invest millions of dollars to get these kids laptops, when they could just trade them for shoes, food, a goat.. or a gun.

You cant read? Here is a laptop, learn to read from the internet.

This program is a waste of time, money and resources. No wonder AMD's Stock has gone through the floor, they are supporting programs like this.
Click to expand...

you....you....you took the words right out of my mouth
 
Ugh....please read the article! It address a lot of the comments Trizoy made. If the laptops are stolen, it has a feature to turn itself off with in 15 minutes of being stolen (uses fingerprint) also, you dont have to be able to read to use the computer. Its GUI is similair to linux and encourages customization but in basic function requires no reading at all. I understand some users on CoFo are under 18, im gearing this towards older users. Even small donations can be used to help this worthwhile program.
 
I've heard all this before and it's still a dumb idea

$188 = one laptop
$188 = food for a year for a village
 
Sure, they are loaded with WiFi, where in the Hell do you get access in a poor village in Africa?
Oh, well I am sure this will really help the AIDS problem and famine, in the most direct ways.(sarcasm)
Now you tell me what they will use it for and let it not include:
Education
Research
E-Commerce
Hobbyist uses
Communication

None of those above are acceptable because of environmental factors that contradict with those uses.

Bill Gates made some 'nice' comments about this program.. And don't say Gates isn't charitable, look at the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation's contributions.

I can't believe Intel is trying to support this...

Also, how will the ppl that receive them operate them? Think of the literacy rate... It's a stupid waste of time... And I have a real problem with putting charity outside of the US, some is okay but, it's getting really out of hand. By providing charity to problematic countries we are more than likely helping a corrupt form of government to survive.
 
just get an asus Eee for 300 bucks if you want a cheap lappy
like the developing countries need lappys
lets start with a "one book for every child program" or a "one meal for every child" program first
you know where this is really gonna sell...to rich six year olds who want to be "cool"
 
god I wish someone would have at least read the article which addresses 90% of your comments before you flamed it for being stupid. Im done discussing it.
 
Dude I like the idea. And I support it. If people don't choose to support it then don't.

There are already charities for starvation, and famine, and all that. This is something different. If you don't like it, put your money into something else you consider helpful.

I have donated 2 computers in the last year to kids in need (in the US). I took a couple old computers, fixed them up and gave them to kids who could use them. Sure it was not a necessity for these kids, but it 1) Made me feel good to see these kids have something they may never have had. 2) I gave a child an opportunity to delve into something/ a world that they may never have really gotten to know other than occasionally at school.

I am passionate about computers and technology. I chose to enlighten a child/show them something they may not have gotten to experience otherwise.

Kids in foreign countries deserve a chance to find out about all the things we love about computers as well. You can say they are illiterate and can't do anything with it. You can't battle illiteracy by ignoring the fact that it is there. Give them a laptop, let them tinker with it. In time they will learn more and more even if they can't write or read or whatever.

Put your money where you choose I guess is all I can say. Just because you choose to put your money in a different place, doesn't change the fact that it is a helpful charity and a good idea.
 
Nightrain said:
Dude I like the idea. And I support it. If people don't choose to support it then don't.

There are already charities for starvation, and famine, and all that. This is something different. If you don't like it, put your money into something else you consider helpful.

I have donated 2 computers in the last year to kids in need (in the US). I took a couple old computers, fixed them up and gave them to kids who could use them. Sure it was not a necessity for these kids, but it 1) Made me feel good to see these kids have something they may never have had. 2) I gave a child an opportunity to delve into something/ a world that they may never have really gotten to know other than occasionally at school.

I am passionate about computers and technology. I chose to enlighten a child/show them something they may not have gotten to experience otherwise.

Kids in foreign countries deserve a chance to find out about all the things we love about computers as well. You can say they are illiterate and can't do anything with it. You can't battle illiteracy by ignoring the fact that it is there. Give them a laptop, let them tinker with it. In time they will learn more and more even if they can't write or read or whatever.

Put your money where you choose I guess is all I can say. Just because you choose to put your money in a different place, doesn't change the fact that it is a helpful charity and a good idea.
Click to expand...

Thank you :)
 
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