Technience » Charity

OLPC XO-3 Will Become Reality By Years End

Daniel Georges — Fri, 28 May 2010 01:08:02 +0000

People downplay what OLPC have done for the world. While Intel, Asus and all others have used the netbook market to find a new way to extract money from consumers pockets, OLPC have stuck it through with helping developing countries get their Facebook on. That isn’t quite true. The OLPC is about education and equal opportunity.
There has also been one issue with the OLPC, and that is the price. Originally it was priced at under $100, but by the time it was released it was around the $200 price range. It was great that it actually came to market (instead of becoming vapor), but it was hard for reviewers to let go of the price promise. OLPC is attempting to change that with the upcoming XO-3 model, which will have better hardware under the hood, with an even less reachable price of $75!
The XO-3 which is expected to have its first working prototype by the end of the year, leaves the realm of netbook, and heads more towards the tablet market. This makes more sense, as it is one piece that has no moving or small parts to be easily broken and lost.
The device will be based on the Marvell Moby (10-inch, 1Ghz etc..) reference designs, and if you can think back a couple of weeks, Marvell themselves said they could pop the things out for under $100 each. Plus, it should be using the SmartQi screen we have all heard so much about, making it one of the most interesting devices coming out.
Now while skeptics may be doubting, I think this is possible. Maybe not for the $75, but close enough to that for people to simply be happy. Anything that helps the world get to a better place is always welcome in my books.

More info via [Engadget]

Microsoft And Dell Cheating Charity?

Daniel Georges — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 05:57:05 +0000

If you have heard all this hype about the new Dell XPS One desktop machine, which is basically an iMac that’s black and runs Vista, then you might have heard of the One (PRODUCT) RED. It was designed as a limited item that would give $US80 to Global Fund from every purchase.
There is one issue though, and that is the price. The standard Dell XPS One costs $US1299, which is expensive as is, comes with Vista Home and Works. The Red comes in at $US1599 and comes with Vista Ultimate and Office 2007 Student. You pay $300 more, but only $80 goes to charity?
On top of that, it seems someone over at Engadget has worked out that you could buy both those Microsoft upgrades for as little as $US200. This means, you are paying for the software, the charity and they still making an extra $20 on you.
This whole RED campaign to raise money for charity is fantastic, but to raise money for profits is pure bad. Dell and Microsoft, this is one of the stupidest things I have ever seen, and I hope that enough people about it before they blow their money on your cruel plans.

For more info, click over to Engadget.

Click to enlarge

Pink Shuffle For Charity

Daniel Georges — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 13:35:26 +0000

Target, one of the biggest retail chains in the world, have announced the unique Apple Shuffle pink. It is the same as the other Shuffles, except it is pink and comes with an iTunes gift card at no extra cost. Why are they doing this? Target are raising money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, saying they will give up to $25,000 to help the cause. Thank you Apple and Target for saving breasts everywhere.

For more info, shuffle over to the Crave Blog.