Intel's low-cost laptop initiative slammed by OLPC
founder
22 May, 2007
Nicholas Negroponte, the founder of the One Laptop Per Child
(OLPC) project, has lambasted Intel's $100 laptop initiative
saying that the chipmaker has to be ashamed of itself. He
has slammed Intel for its efforts to undermine the
initiative by OLPC. OLPC, in association with AMD, Intel's
main rival, aims to provide a $100 laptop to every child in
developing countries.
Initially, Intel had run down OLPC's project but is now
showing keen interest in the market. It has now begun
marketing its low-cost laptop - Classmate - in developing
countries.
Intel chairman Craig Barrett counters Negroponte's charges
saying Intel is not trying to drive Negroponte out of
business and that they are just trying to bring capability
to more young people.
Experts feel that OLPC is being caught in the crossfire
between Intel and rival AMD. OLPC's laptop runs on the
processor designed by AMD and that is the reason many feel
Intel wants a piece of the market. Other experts feel that
the battle between Intel and OLPC can only be good for kids
in developing countries.
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