Xmas gift on the way: Laptops for $350!

BOSTON, US: A nonprofit group that designs low-cost computers for poor children may start selling $350 laptops on the commercial market by Christmas, an executive said.

The One Laptop Per Child Foundation's chief technology officer, Mary Lou Jepsen, said the computer could sell initially for about $350, or twice its production cost, although the group is also considering a higher price tag.

Its entry to the commercial market would be a challenge to traditional PC industry companies, including Microsoft Corp., Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Lenovo Group Ltd.

"The PC industry will be watching this very closely," said Roger Kay, an analyst with PC market researcher Endpoint Technologies Associates Inc.

Although the green-and-white XO was designed for elementary school children in poor countries, analysts say that some of the features make it attractive to kids in wealthier countries as well as adults.

The foundation has kept its costs down by developing its own technology, including the display, and using a relatively inexpensive microprocessor from Advanced Micro Devices Inc.

It also uses free Linux software, saving the cost of paying to use Microsoft's Windows operating system.

Designed to withstand severe weather common in areas of Asia, Africa and Latin America, it is waterproof and features a high-resolution display that can be read in direct sunlight. Its battery can run for 12 hours on one charge. The battery can also be charged with a hand-crank.