In a bid to be both good for someone else and for ourselves, I took part in the buy one give one promotion by the people of One Laptop Per Child. By buying two laptops, one was gifted to a needy child and the other sent to me. My plan was to give my children their own computer so that our desktop and laptop weren't monopolized by them playing educational software when their dad and I wanted to write, blog, or (wait, there's not "or").

It didn't work quite as I had planned. The super little laptop isn't sexy enough for my children, despite the fact that it has a great color, kid-sized keyboard, and a wireless antenna to be coveted by my laptop. The software works well on the Linux operating system. I like the computer. I know there are children somewhere, right here in the US, that would love to have this computer. Maybe they are the ones who crave a computer of their own and are not choosy that it doesn't look like Mom's or Dad's. Hell, maybe his or her parent doesn't have their own computer. Think how liberating it would be to have one for your own.

As part of the give one get one package, we received one full year of T-Mobile wireless, which we haven't activated. So, this computer would come with wireless access even if free access isn't available. The laptop would come in the original box, with the charger, and I will print out the starter guide that is available on the website. I'll pay for the shipping.

Here's my idea: Write me an email with the subject "Laptop Desired" describing who wants this computer and why. Do it in 500 words or less. My husband and I will choose the top 5. I'll post those entries, and readers can choose who gets this gem of a laptop. The only exclusion will be that my family members (blood or marriage) cannot enter. My email is hpsarabeth@gmail.com. The deadline is 11:59 PM EDT on March 15th.

I have a problem, though. I get an average of 35 readers a day. I need others to spread the word. Can you Weekend Blog Hoppers help? Can you regular readers spread the word on your blogs?

The truth is I want this computer to go to a kid who will appreciate it. My children are spoiled by more expensive technology and will not get to keep this laptop. My six year old cried when I told her that she didn't get to have the laptop any longer (ugly night it was when she scrunched up her face when I asked her to use her laptop and not mine), but I give her credit for understanding that there are children who don't have anything like this and would adore receiving it.

<a href="http://nothpnowmommy.blogspot.com/2008/02/technology-or-why-olpc-laptop-wont-work.html">The original post is here.</a> I'm serious about this.