Well honestly I don't see why anyone in a developing country needs a laptop. The majority of the people might not even have running water. Yet it seems they have electricity. I say screw sending them a laptop and trying to profit off them and just educate them more on how to live with out being killed by bugs and other stuff.
As for $150 being a lot of money, it really isn't. Sure it could get you some really cheap canned goods, bread and lunch meat to last a month or two but really Most bills are more than that. For me some one who makes 450 each pay check 150 is not alot of money. Its just a good chunk of change that could help out if used properly but not enough to be considered alot.
In fact I just bought $100 worth of booze yesterday that was only I large bottle and two small bottles, 3 bottles total. Thats also 3 ps3\xbox\pc games, if you get them when they first come out.