More than 1, 400 organizations around the world, including large enterprises, educational institutions, government agencies and the US Military, currently use Second Life to hold meetings, conduct training and prototype new technologies more efficiently and cost effectively.

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First, the cost of hardware in a prototype like this is not a good predictor of the costs of the eventual finished product.

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He says offering up a fraction of those cost in prize money for a successful prototype supports talent outside of NASA and saving the bottom line.

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Also at CES, Marvell and OLPC showcased the first prototype of the X0 3.0, a low cost, low power rugged tablet computer designed for education in emerging markets.

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But the field could develop fast, as prototype picosatellites can ride along with other missions at almost no extra cost.

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This being a prototype, the Samsung rep we spoke with had no clue on what such a device might cost or when it might come to market -- or even if this thing will ever see the light of day, so don't get your dual-hopes up just yet.

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