News 

Both Intel and Microsoft made stinging remarks about the hardware powered by a crank handle: Intel has its own designs on getting its technology to developing nations and Microsoft may be riled by the choice of Linux as the operating system.

Negroponte quipped that with Intel and Microsoft nay-saying his efforts, he was more convinced than ever he was on to something. The project has already secured

ADVERTISEMENT

some $29m in funding from the likes of AMD, Red Hat and even Murdoch's News Corp.

The laptop, which boasts wireless features and a screen that can be read in bright sunlight but is without a hard drive is a far from finished product, said Negroponte. The wind up power generator unit is being reviewed, with the possibility of using a foot-powered unit, taking the stresses off the laptop itself. Engineers are also working on whether it would be feasible to use an optimised version of Microsoft's embedded platform Windows CE.

As many as 10 million of the laptops could be in distribution by next year, to developing nations and emerging economies in Asia, Africa and South America. However, the devices may find interest closer to home: Negroponte said he fully expected governments from across the board to adopt the laptops for school children.

A mass take-up like that he said may quickly drive costs down to nearer $50 per laptop. They currently cost around $135 to produce.