“$100 Laptop” Will Be Sold In US

Well, it doesn't actually cost $100 at this point, it's more like $188 now. But for two weeks in November they will go on sale to the US and the developed world in a $399, get one-give one deal. People will be able to get one and the other will be given away in a country where they cannot afford to participates in the program.

The organisation behind the project has launched the "give one, get one" scheme that will allow US residents to purchase two laptops for $399 (£198).

One laptop will be sent to the buyer whilst a child in the developing world will receive the second machine

The G1G1 scheme, as it is known, will offer the laptops for just two weeks, starting on the 12 November.

The offer to the general public comes after the project's founder admitted that concrete orders from the governments of developing nations had not always followed verbal agreements

Nicholas Negroponte told the New York Times: "I have to some degree underestimated the difference between shaking the hand of a head of state and having a cheque written.

"And yes, it has been a disappointment."

Walter Bender, head of software development at One Laptop per Child (OLPC), told the BBC News website: "From day one there's been a lot of interest expressed in having some way of people in the developed world participate in the programme."

I've been kind of leery about the real effectiveness of this project ever since I heard about it. And there have been some unfortunate early developments. But I wish them well, nonetheless.