Due to irreconcilable differences, as failed marriages go, Intel is pulling out of the idealistic One-Laptop-Per-Child program (OLPC). CNN reports that Santa Clara-based chipmaker has decided to finally end its long-simmering spat with the organization handling the program. Coincidentally, this all happened just a few days before the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas where it was expected that an OLPC prototype running on an Intel chip would have been unveiled. This is another blow to the OLPC program which is already facing pricing woes with their initial laptop offering costing $ 188 which is way off the $ 100 target price.

Intel, however, maintains that they are committed in developing inexpensive mobile computers for consumers. Dubbed as the Classmate, their own version of the affordable laptop is being marketed in the same areas where the OLPC is expected to become available.

While this ends the partnership between the two, both companies undeniable have their work cut out for them as Asus has already made headway with their Eee PC. Looking ahead, this brewing competition can only bring greater things to the market: greater devices at more enticing prices. Hopefully, this philosophy will also apply to Intel.