Cheap laptop tech goes commercial

The scientist who designed a notebook computer for poor children that is being produced and sold by a non-profit foundation has set up a company to commercialise the technology with a goal of producing a $75 laptop computer.

Mary Lou Jepsen, who left her post as chief technology officer of the One Laptop Per Child Foundation at the end of last year, said on the company's Web site that she has founded the company, called Pixel Qi, and described it as "a spin-out" from the non-profit group.

Jepsen invented a low-cost, low-power sunreadable screen while at the foundation from 2005 to 2007. She also co-invented its power management system.

Pixel Qi will commercialise the screen technology, offering it to makers of notebook computers, digital cameras, cellphones and other mobile devices, she said on her Web site.

The high-resolution display that she invented lets users switch from colour to black-and-white when it is in direct sun.

The company will work closely with the foundation, providing the products it develops to the non-profit group at cost, according to the Pixel Qi Web site.

Prior to joining the OLPC Foundation, she was the chief technology officer of the display division of Intel.

Copyright 2010 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication and redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

  POST YOUR COMMENT

Headline

Comment

Name

Email

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Please enter the CAPTCHA characters below