$100 Laptop to be Sold Commercially

The One Laptop Per Child Foundation indicated Monday that it might begin selling a version of the "$100 laptop" it is now producing for educational use. The system would become available by the holiday season for a price of about $350 USD, according to representatives from the company. A commercial version of the laptop has long been talked about, but until now the group had dismissed the idea.

At that price tag, the laptop would cost approximately twice the amount it costs to produce. Although it is not explicitly said, the profits would likely go towards the production of the devices for the educational sector. Initially, the commercial launch of the laptop would be for around 3 million units, with production to begin in October. "Our whole goal is to maximize the number of units shipped," OLPC technology officer Mary Lou Jepsen told Reuters.