FAQs for Laptop Donations
What are the minimum specifications for the laptop donation?
We request that the laptops are in good working condition so that they will have a long shelf life for the next user. For PCs, preferably Intel Core i onwards with at least a Windows 7 license. We will carry out the diagnostics and can handle minor hardware repairs or parts replacement as needed. If we are unable to fix, we will strip the donated laptop for parts to be used to refurbish other donated laptops, and any e-waste will be responsibly disposed.
Where can we drop off the donated computers?
The donated laptops can be given to our laptop refurbishment partner, PC Dreams, for diagnostics to determine functional working condition. PC Dreams is located at 1 Rochor Canal Road #03-40 Sim Lim Square Singapore 188504. Operating hours are Monday to Friday 10 am to 7 pm. Computer repairs are considered essential services so they are in operation.
Due to COVID-19 safe distancing measures, we do not encourage drop-offs by individuals. Here are a few options for delivery services that are operational: Lalamove, Ixpress Logistics and GrabExpress. Simply mark your donation with “Attention to: Bridge the Digital Divide c/o. PC Dreams”.
If you have a bulk donation of multiple laptops, it is preferable to have your own transport arranged. Otherwise, we are happy to arrange pickup at your premises with delivery services that are available.
What is included in the PC diagnostics that you will perform on the donated laptop?
As part of our diagnostics to check the donated laptops for functional working condition, our testing will include: Battery, WiFi, Webcam, DVD, Screen, USB, Touchpad, Keyboard, Sound, Physical Condition, Graphics Card, Charger/Adaptor, CPU, RAM and HDD/SSD/SSHD. After diagnostics have been conducted, we can handle minor hardware repairs or parts substitution as needed. If we are unable to fix, we will strip the donated laptop for parts to be used to refurbish other donated laptops, and any e-waste will be responsibly disposed.
How do you handle data security?
We ask that donors delete all personal data from the donated laptops. We have a data erasure station and can handle data erasure for free. All laptops will be reformatted with operating system, anti-virus software and WPS Office installed.
PC Dreams, our laptop refurbishment partner, is ISO 27001 certified. ISO 27001 is an information security standard. If a data erasure certificate is required for corporate donations, we can provide it for an admin fee of $8 per unit.
Can I donate devices/laptops without a battery?
Devices with batteries are preferred of course but if the battery is missing or damaged, we can still accept the donation and try to find a spare battery that matches. Depending on the make and model, we may be able to find a replacement battery. But if we are unable to find a matching battery, we will strip the no-battery laptop for parts that can be used to refurbish other laptops.
Can I donate devices/laptops without a charger or adaptor?
Devices with chargers and adaptors are preferred of course but if the charger/adaptor is missing or damaged, we can still accept the laptop donation and try to find a spare one that matches. Depending on the make and model, we should be able to find a matching charger/adaptor. It is easier to find a matching charger/adaptor than a replacement battery.
How do I know who my devices/laptops go to?
The working condition laptops will be delivered to the partnering social service organisations. These organisations will put in requests for the number of laptops they need and we will do our best to meet the demand. The donated laptops will be tracked by their brand and serial number up to the receiving social service organisations.
All our partnering social service organisations have received Institution of Public Character (or IPC) status and have staff, neighbourhood leaders, community workers and volunteers who work directly with the beneficiaries. You can explore their websites to discover more about the initiatives they have in place and how a laptop can make a difference to the people they help.
For confidentiality reasons, we do not disclose the personal information of the households and individuals that receive the donated laptops.