Cambodian children using the innovative XO laptop.

One Laptop per Child (OLPC) has confirmed to the BBC that it has received the first official order for its ‘$100 laptop’.

According to an online report by the broadcasting corporation, the government of Uruguay has bought 100,000 machines for schoolchildren aged six to 12. The South American country may purchase another 300,000 laptops to provide every child in the country with a machine by 2009.

OLPC originally hoped to sell the multi-coloured machines – which are designed specifically for developing nations – for $100 (£50), however the price has increased steadily to an estimated $188. The company cites currency fluctuations and the rising cost of raw materials like nickel and silicon for the price hikes.

OLPC has also changed the way the machines can be sold or distributed. Initially, they were offered to governments in lots of 250,000, however they can now be purchased in a variety of ways.

Members of the public, for example, can donate money to the scheme online. A donation of $200 will pay for and deliver one XO laptop to a child in a developing nation, $400 will pay for and deliver two XO laptops, and so on.

From 12 November, the organisation will also launch its ‘Give 1 Get 1’ programme. A donation of $399 will purchase two machines – one which will be sent to a developing nation, and one to the donor’s child at home. The scheme will initially distribute laptops to Cambodia, Afghanistan and Haiti.

For further details on OLPC and the XO laptop, or to make a donation, visit www.laptopgiving.org.

By Natasha Piscitelli