Yesterday Intel announced a $1B initiative to help get children connected to the net and promote collaborative learning. I applaud them for this commitment and effort and for following Sun’s lead in working to bridge the digital divide. However, I can’t help wondering why Intel wouldn’t simply join the One Laptop per Child initiative already established….

Call me cynical, but I think this show of corporate philanthropy *might* have something to do with the fact that OLPC is targeting $100 per unit (using whatever is cheap and reliable) vs. Intel’s $400 price point (using Intel components.)