Omar had it pretty close, but it wasn't a retail sale. For six weeks, OLPC let "Give One Get One" buyers in North America order two computers directly -- one shipped to them and one for OLPC to send to a child in another country. (I think I read that Mongolia was the first destination from that program.) I've been using mine since before Christmas and it's amazing what OLPC has produced.
The offer ended Dec. 31, but there's apparently a chance of a "Give One Get One" offer in Europe in 2008.
The readable-in-sunlight screen, low power consumption and innovative design have one bonus feature that isn't mentioned very often: This is the first laptop I've used that is cool enough (in temperature, not "cool") to actually use on my lap -- or on my bare knees -- while sitting on the porch in the sun. The base holds the battery and keyboard, but most of the electronics are in the screen section.
I'd hate to see corporate competition and commercial-vs-opensource software wars keep the actual education innovators from figuring out what they can really do with this computer.
Meanwhile, one of the founders has just announced plans to leave the project and create low-cost spin-off products for general sale. It would be a sad irony if a charitable program intended to benefit poor children turned out to have, instead, produced a cute "rugged, outdoor computer" for affluent users to take to the beach or swimming pool in the summertime. (It is a sealed keyboard and is supposed to be "splashproof.")
For lots more information, see the http://laptop.org wiki or Google for discussion boards, where you'll also find some disgruntled "Give One Get One" who expected something more like a fully-supported commercial product with a distribution and technical support network. You'll also find scores of enthusiastic users contributing to documentation on a Wiki, support bulletin boards, etc.
