Intel Joins the $100 Laptop Campaign

Intel has finally agreed to join the One Laptop Per Child campaign, after months of publicly stating that they had no intentions of ever doing so.

One Laptop Per Child is a non-profit, internationally-recognized program that aims to supply the developing countries of the world with inexpensive laptop computers.

Ironically, before Intel had joined One Laptop Per Child, the campaign had been referred to by many as a plausible Intel rival, since most of the processors used in the inexpensive computers were supplied by industry opponent Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). (Source: itweek.co.uk)

In a surprising twist, Intel has not only jumped on board with the project, but has pledged a number of processors and substantial funding.

Popularly referred to as the "$100 Laptop Campaign", the effort has been made to induce a number of countries who cannot purchase full-price laptop computers to instead pick up inexpensive alternates in mass quantities. Currently, the computers sell for roughly $175 each. (Source: usatoday.com)

What has begun as a charity crusade has turned some developing countries into "ground zero" for an all-out war between rival technological companies looking to capitalize on interest in laptop computers. While One Laptop Per Child has promised to sell their computers for $175, Classmates PC, another known Intel rival, has begun dropping their laptop prices to around $200 in an effort to compete with the campaign. (Source: usatoday.com)

Still, Intel does not view Classmates PC as an immediate threat.

Intel recently inked an exclusive deal with the Government of Pakistan that will see an influx of 700,000 laptop computers coming into the country by the end of 2007.

Until their current deal expires, One Laptop Per Child will continue to use processors supplied by Advanced Micro Devices, but Intel is expected to begin working with the project on all future technical developments. (Source: itweek.co.uk)