One laptop project loses partner (BBC) {Intel bails on OLPC}

[eppur_se_muova]

Intel has pulled out of a project to put cheap laptops in the hands of children in the developing world.

Citing "philosophical" differences, Intel has withdrawn its funding and technical help from the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project.

OLPC aimed to boost learning in poorer nations via a custom-built laptop intended to cost no more than $100.

Intel's withdrawal is a blow to OLPC which has found few nations willing to buy large numbers of laptops.

Machine code

Intel joined the OLPC in July 2007 and was widely expected to work on a version of the project's laptop that used an Intel chip. Many expected this machine to be unveiled at the CES technology fair which opens in Las Vegas on 5 January.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7171201.stm

So Intel wasn't *really* comitted to OLPC, while marketing its own, competing low-cost PC at a loss? How many are surprised by this?