Frequently Asked Questions

Please read through our facts below, if you would like any further information please contact info@laptop.org.au

1. How does this initiative relate to the Federal Government's plans to give all secondary children a laptop?

It is a separate, and quite different, program. Our education initiative is based on extensive research that suggests the difference to a child's exponential learning capacity is made during early childhood. It is for that reason that we target primary school-aged children (aged 4-15).

2. Do these programs complement or conflict with each other?

The XO laptops have been specifically designed for the harsh outback conditions in Australia and will compliment the Federal Government's program as the laptops they intend to use simply would not survive in these conditions.

3. How will giving laptops to children in remote communities address the shortfall in the education results for these children?

The XO laptop has been specifically designed to engage students in the process of learning. Through the specific software programs that are preloaded on to the laptops, the user-friendly interface, and the design of laptops themselves, the child becomes engaged in the learning proce

4. Aren't laptops a luxury when there are larger socio-economic problems being experienced in these communities?

If you replace word laptop with education, the answer becomes clear. The key to solving many of the problems experienced in these communities lies with the children. Providing children with education empowers them to solve their own problems – and break the cycle of dependency.

5.What support does the charity need from the wider community

The success of this program is dependent on support from all levels of the corporate community, concerned individuals, and all levels of Government. Support can be provided in the form of monetary donations and volunteered time and expertise.

6. How will OLPC Australia measure the success of the program?

Thanks to the support provided by The Commonwealth Bank of Australia, the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) has been engaged to conduct a comprehensive evaluation on the impacts of the XO laptops on our first three communities.

7. Is OLPC Australia planning to distribute laptops to children in metropolitan areas?

Our current focus is to provide every child in remote communities with an XO laptop. At this stage we are engaging metropolitan children through our Window of Opportunity Initiative

8. Who is the original design manufacturer (ODM) of the XO?

Quanta Computer Inc. of Taiwan has been chosen as the original design manufacturer (ODM) for the XO project. The decision was made after the OLPC board reviewed bids from several possible manufacturing companies. Quanta Computer Inc. was founded in 1988 in Taiwan. With over US $10 billion in sales, Quanta is the world's largest manufacturer of laptop PCs; the company also manufactures mobile phones, LCD TVs, and servers and storage products. In addition, in 2005, Quanta opened a new US $200 million R&D center, Quanta R&D Complex (QRDC), in Taiwan. The facility, which opened in Q3 of 2005, has 2.2 million square feet of floor space, and a capacity to house up to 7,000 engineers.