OLPC Shipments Facing Strange Delays

Tue Jan 29, 2008 10:52PM EST

See Comments (5)

Lord knows we've collectively written enough about the OLPC... It's a noble project, to be sure, but are the people actually getting the computers they've bought and paid for?

PC World's Harry McCracken writes that, two and a half months after paying for a computer under the "$400 to donate one/keep one" program, he still hasn't seen his machine. McCracken outlines in extreme detail how his shipment date slipped from December 22 to January 15 and on into "February." The problems he encountered include missing web pages that are supposed to include tracking information, lengthy waits on hold with customer service (who don't seem to have a lot of information), and a problem generated because he paid for the laptop via PayPal, which somehow deleted his shipping address from the order.

And McCracken is not alone. Other PC World staffers as well as numerous commenters have expressed similar frustrations.

But the problem here isn't really whether some ivory tower types get their laptops in time, it's how it reflects on the program as a whole. If OLPC can't keep the address of a journalist in a big city like San Francisco straight, how is it going to find a school in rural Mongolia to deliver a laptop to? OLPC wants to put millions of laptops in the hands of children around the world in coming months. Shouldn't it get its logistics figured out first? 

LINK: Where the Heck is my OLPC XO Laptop? 

Comments on OLPC Shipments Facing Strange Delays

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  • 1 Posted by m_knopp on Wed Jan 30, 2008 8:26AM EST Report Abuse

    And with increased competition coming from the likes of Intel and Asus in this market, will they remain viable if they do not get their act together.

  • 2 Posted by pattigoettler on Wed Jan 30, 2008 11:12AM EST Report Abuse

    I think its still a good group- when they extended the B1G1 through January- I think they got more response than anticipated... I ordered one the first day, got it Dec. 19th- gave it to a little boy, then immediately ordered another. The second one has not arrived and I was informed of the ordering blitz and given a date to expect shipment. Hey- am I brighter than a journalist from SF? Maybe... I can deal with the wait as it means even more kids are winning here, getting a great little machine. I did play with the first one,(before I gave it to Patrick...) it is a hoot- and I eagerly await the second one.

  • 3 Posted by rap1zip1 on Wed Jan 30, 2008 1:46PM EST Report Abuse

    I didn't receive mine (I ordered on Nov 12). They don't even try to explain (I asked many times). What's upsetting donors is their arrogance, "Delay? So what? This is non-profit for poor kids. You rich donor should shut up." If they sincerely explain the situation, this outcry didn't occur. If you didn't receive yours, Shout Out and be Counted! Go to OLPC News Forum at http://olpcnews.com/forum/index.php?topic=1777.150. As of today 150 users are listed.

  • 4 Posted by agustin2489 on Fri Feb 1, 2008 3:56PM EST Report Abuse

    I don't know what to think about this anymore. It started out fine but .. eh. It slowed. Bureaucracy may have played a part in this and unfortunately, problems have been harrying it all over the place.

  • 5 Posted by heyfraydo on Sat Feb 2, 2008 12:44AM EST Report Abuse

    I received my XO laptop and think it's amazing. OLPC is set up more so to deliver and support large shipments which is the first intent of the orginization which I fully support. That being said though I believe the survival of the program may be greatly helped by regular buy 2 get 1 program. I had read alot about the the amazing details of this laptop and it's abilities along withit's total cutting edge educational program. I couldn't wait to get one and give one. I hope OLPC hears these criticisms as compliments rather than nit picking saying that others can't wait to get their XO either. The XO laptop is merely a learning tool where students can connect with each other and their teachers through the Mesh Networking and the Internet. It is highly optimized for it's goals and settings in third world countries much more so than the other for profit competitor's cheap knockoffs I've read about. Education and collaboration is the key in solving long term world problems and this OLPC Program initiative would put that into Overdrive but they need support and constructive criticism. I applaud Google, AMD and others who have supported this non profit. I'll remember the greedy Non Profits who have been devisive. Good Luck OLPC! One note when I first received my XO I found a IRC chat room with XO support and the staff there were very friendly and helpful.My gut feeling is that OLPC could be a new worldwide option for people who are fed up the For Profit Lousy and unfriendly support. CJ

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