OLPC and Intel kiss and make up

OLPC founder and chairman Nicholas Negroponte recently accused Intel (on national TV, no less) of trying to thwart the project's aim to distribute a $100 laptop to developing countries by launching a cheap laptop of its own. Intel denied the accusation, saying that its $200 Classmate PC is simply an alternative product and after all, the more cheap laptops there are, the better, right?

This all seems to have been forgotten now though, and OLPC today announced that Intel would be joining the board of the non-profit organisation, as well as contribute funding. It'll still be using an AMD processor, though.

"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 Negroponte.

"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.

[ AP]