Nicholas Negroponte had the idea to develop a cheap laptop computer that would enable children around the world to learn -- the One Laptop Per Child Initiative.

Initially set to be priced at $100, the laptops increased in price to $188 due to production and other issues. But now the One Laptop Per Child model, also called the XO laptop, has finally arrived (along with some competitors).

The Boston Globe reports that orders for the machine have surged. Nicholas Negroponte, who set up the foundation to provide lthe One Laptop Per Child machines, said yesterday that the government of Peru has signed a contract to purchase 260,000 of the laptops, which now cost $188.

Technology Evangelist has a review.