Finally, it seems that the bizarre rivalry between Intel and One Laptop per Child (OLPC) has come to an end, with the two organizations agreeing to work together to bring low-cost computers to poor children in developing countries.

The two organizations will continue with their respecting low-cost computer programs, but they will will “explore collaborations” involving technology and educational content. Intel will also join the board of OLPC, as well as contribute money and expertise.

“Intel joins the OLPC board as a world leader in technology, helping reach the world’s children. Collaboration with Intel means that the maximum number of laptops will reach children,” said Nicholas Negroponte, founder of One Laptop per Child.

Not so long ago a very angry Negroponte lashed out at Intel for trying to undermine his dream of creating a low-cost computer for poor children. Negroponte accused Intel of approaching the same governments that he’s been approaching and offering it’s own low-cost laptop, the Classmate, at below cost.

“Intel should be ashamed of itself, It’s just – it’s just shameless … Intel has hurt the mission enormously,” Negroponte told 60 Minutes at the time.

It seems now that both parties have realized how damaging the ongoing feud was not only to themselves, but to the goal of bringing opportunity to underprivileged children.

“Joining OLPC is a further example of our commitment to education over the last 20 years and our belief in the role of technology in bringing the opportunities of the 21st century to children around the world,” said Paul Otellini, CEO of Intel.

At the heart of the OLPC vision, is the XO-1, a low cost Linux-based laptop that is rugged, extremely energy efficient (it can be powered using a built-in wind-up generator), supports mesh wireless networking, and uses open source software.

The XO-1 features a 433 MHz AMD Geode processor, 256 MB of RAM and 1 GB of Flash memory for long-term storage. OLPC hopes to be able to sell the computers to second and third world governments for US$100 by 2008, though at the moment the price is said to be around US$135 to $175.

The XO-1 was to originally going to be powered by an Intel processor. When Intel was dropped from the OLPC design specification, Intel started its own laptop-for-poor-kids program, the World Ahead Program, and developed the Classmate reference design.

There is no indication, at this stage, that OLPC will switch back to an Intel processor for the XO-1, though Intel has stated that it will be putting its case forward.

OLPC requires orders for at least 3 million units before it can commit to manufacturing the XO-1. At this stage OLPC has not actually received its first order, though it is confident that the first batch of XO-1s will find homes in South America, Africa and Asia.

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Entry was posted on Friday, July 13th, 2007 at 1:23 pm under Intel, Linux, Notebook, Open source.

Read more entries by John Pospisil.
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