One Laptop Per Child

[Wilbur]

This product and project is really cool. A very sophisticated child's laptop built by a nonprofit co-venture of heavy hitters for distribution in the developing world. It's a very cool piece of technology and a very cool idea.

One Laptop per Child (OLPC), a low-cost, connected laptop for the world's children's education

They're doing a "Give one, get one" two-fer launch promotion:

From now through December 31, 2007, OLPC is offering a Give One Get One program in the United States and Canada. This is the first time the revolutionary XO laptop has been made available to the general public. For a donation of $399, one XO laptop will be sent to empower a child in a developing nation and one will be sent to the child in your life in recognition of your contribution. $200 of your donation is tax-deductible (your $399 donation minus the fair market value of the XO laptop you will be receiving).

If there is a grade school age kid in your life this might be a magical gift, teaching not only computing (it even teaches basic programming skills!) but philanthropy as well.

[DBCooper]

I like the idea especially in Appalachia and other destitute areas of our country.