When the One Laptop Per Child organization began mass production of its OLPC XO notebook computer, it also launched a “Give One, Get One” program which enabled commercial sales of the notebook intended to enable education in developing nations. Folks in developed economies would be able to get their hands on the OLPC XO for $399…and, in doing so, would fund another OLPC XO laptop to be given to a child in a developing country. The OLPC organization scheduled the promotion to run for two weeks, and crossed its fingers. Few people were willing to predict how the program would be received: would computer enthusiasts be willing to pay almost $400 for a small, low-powered notebook aimed at childrens’ educational use? Or would they respond with enthusiasm, potentially making participation the “Give One, Get One” program a highlight of the end-of-year holiday season?
