Comments on: OLPC laptop destined for the U.S. for sure, if you go by e-mail list item from Walter Bender

By: David Rothman

David Rothman — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:25:46 +0000

Jim, there are third-party repair services for the OLPC machine, and based on my experience in Northern Virginia, the prices can be pretty cheap. Scroll down this page for a list of centers. Thanks. David

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 02:32:43 +0000

This is a rip off!!!! I’ve paid for four (2 to home, 2 elsewhere) and BOTH broke. They do not answer email and do not give a phone number. I am NOT buying any more and recommend that noone else does, either. They are less-than reliable and there is zero/zip/no support, help or anything. If it breaks, tough.

By: David Rothman

David Rothman — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 09:10:00 +0000

Joanna: Luckily it would appear that Quanta is free to do its own machines, including with keyboards suited for adults. So stay tuned. The big reason seems to be OLPC’s bizarre marketing approach: Establish a brand identity with the developing world in mind. But that’s still foolish since the project requires economies of scale, and people in the U.S., Australia, etc., could help supply the demand. At any rate, having back off on the issue of machines in the U.S., OLPC itself may well do the same so that eventually you can buy even “official” machines privately. Let’s hope so. David

By: Joanna

Joanna — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 20:58:08 +0000

I really don’t understand why they are so reluctant to release a commercial version. People have expressed, often and vocally, that they would willingly pay for the machine, and that they would be willing to pay above market pricefor it should the extra revenue be used to subsidize the charitable arm of this project. WHY the huge reluctance? Why must the clamouring oublic be forced to reckon with clones or knockoffs when they want this machine, with the swivel screen and tablet format and little foot pedal power thing, and when they can have it for a price that, even at in inflated-to-subsidize level, is still quite affordable? I really, truly don’t get why the OLPC are so reluctant to sell the damn things. I would pay for one, happily, and know many other gadget lvoers who would too. These machines—durable, affordable, versatile, streamlined and open source—could revolutionize personal computing, everywhere. Why hold that back?