Posted on October 10, 2010

One Laptop per Child Foundation Receives $5.6 Million to Develop Tablet Computer

The One Laptop per Child Foundation has announced a $5.6 million grant from Marvell, a semiconductor manufacturer based in Santa Clara, California, to support the development of a next generation tablet computer, Xconomy reports.

A prototype that incorporates Marvell's design and Google's Android operating system will be ready for public demonstration at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2011. The prototype will form the basis for an OLPC-branded tablet computer that will be used by children in the developing world.

Among other differences, the OLPC computer will include a dual-mode display, be made of plastic, and will run the Linux-based Sugar learning software. "The...[prototype] would definitely not have our brand," OLPC founder Nicholas Negroponte told Exconomy. "The plans are for Marvell to develop this initial machine, in partnership with [original equipment manufacturers] and a partner in education, and release it for sale sometime in 2011. The second one...would have our brand on it, because it will be identified with and for the developing world."