CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 9 U.S. computer chip giant Intel is accused of undercutting a program to give cheap laptops to children in developing countries so it could up its profits.
Nicholas Negroponte, founder of the One Laptop Per Child effort, claimed Intel used "underhand" sales tactics to try to block contracts to buy his machines, The Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday. Both OLPC and Intel produce laptops designed for use by children in poor countries.
The OLPC version is a rugged machine, featuring a sunlight readable display and open-source hardware. It uses a processor by Intel rival Advanced Micro Devices. Intel's version can run Microsoft Windows operating system and is part of the company's broader educational effort.
The OLPC computer is the less expensive of the two and OLPC hopes to get the per-laptop price down to $100, the British newspaper said.
Leaders of the Cambridge, Mass., organization said Intel failed to deliver on its promises and the root of the problem is Intel's wanting the laptops to contain its more expensive microchips rather than those from AMD.
But Intel chief executive Paul Otellini called the accusations "hogwash," saying the company has met its obligations.
Copyright 2008 by UPI
