Intel backs low-cost laptop project for poor kids

London : Computer chipmaker Intel has announced its decision to support the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project, which aims to put computers in the hands of poor children around the world.

Intel has said the durable XO laptop will be put into production in September at a cost of 176 dollars.

The early versions of the XO laptop will come with a low-cost, high-resolution colour screen that can switch into a black-and-white for viewing in the sunlight. Its low-energy consumption technology will also allow it to be run on hand-crank-generated power.

Until now, Intel has criticised the OLPC project, promoting its own Classmate PC instead. Intel distributes this machine in smaller numbers to poor children in developing countries, giving educators instruction on how to use the devices in the classroom.

But now Intel has said it will join the board of the One Laptop Per Child Foundation and explore collaborations involving technology and educational content.

Current backers for the OLPC project include Intel rival AMD, which makes the central microprocessor that runs the XO laptop, along with Internet giant Google, which is providing users email accounts and free back-up services.

Open source software maker Red Hat, which developed computer programs for the device, and media giant News Corp also have board seats, reports New Scientist.

OLPC Foundation has said it hopes to sell thousands of the cheap laptops to government agencies around the world, so that they can be given to impoverished elementary school children at no cost.

The One Laptop Per Child project is the brainchild of Nicholas Negroponte, the former chief of the MIT Media Lab, who had recently accused Intel of trying to undermine the project. (ANI)