Most of our scholarship students need laptop computers (PCs not MACS) so they can do better with their school work.

We were fortunate enough to get enough donated for the first two groups of scholarship students; unfortunately, most of those computers have outlived their usefulness. The last two groups of scholarship students have received none.

There’s no problem with used but not abused equipment. They should be loaded with the Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.). A free anti-virus program such as FreeAVGif is a must. An up-to-date version of Encarta on the unit would be great. Each laptop should have a power cord. They need to have CD-ROM capability. A mouse and a surge protector would be welcome additions—as would a carrying case.

Yes, such donations are tax-deductible under U.S. I.R.S. rules, as we are a 501 (c) (3).

The “trick” is you need to transport the laptop to Treasure Beach with you—not really difficult.

If you think you can assist one of the students, please get in touch with me for full details

I have one which I think would be OK. I'm not coming down for several months. Would that still help or do you need them ASAP?

Ideally, all the students would get a computer tomorrow. We know it will probably take months to get all the necessary computers down here, however. Please know your computer will be most welcome whenever you are kind enough to bring it down. Feel free to get in touch with me, and we can discuss easy "how to" details.

There is a company called <htttp://www.techsoup.org> that sells PC computers/gear to Non-profits at a greatly reduced rates. I am on the board of a holistic non-profit here in the states which has looked into utilizing there service.

I realize these computers are for purchased, but they are a great resource for Non-profits and they have some really good prices.

It is also good to know about PC vs. MAC -- my business & family only use MAC's and there are several families we are close with in TB and we have been discussing bringing down MAC's for them over time -- is there no use for a MAC on island?

Please advise.

Nicole, thanks for reminding me about TechSoup. We can get computers from them at discounted rates. As to not use the reserves we've accumulated to pay for the expenses for the current scholarship students, we are trying to get used laptops donated instead. A lot of people consider their laptops out-of-date when they are perhaps only two years old, and there's not much resale value in them. But they could still be perfect for the students' use.

As for MACs, I am not an authority on them, so I cannot provide the best advice. In Treasure Beach, one problem with computers is finding someone in the area to do competent repairs. Usually, the same people who work on PCs don't work on MACS, and PCs are much more prevalent in the area

I agree with attempting to get computers donated rather than depleting any money being held for the scholarships. The school costs are massive. We are coming into slow season, and there's a better chance for computer donations later in the year.