NEW CLASSMATE PC. Intel has announced a new version of its low-cost Classmate PC laptops intended for emerging markets. The new version, which will go on sale in the next two months, was rolled out in schools in China. Video shows Chinese students using the new Classmate PC in a demo during the Intel Developer Forum. Video taken by INQUIRER.net technology reporter Lawrence Casiraya in Shanghai, China.
Intel eyes bigger market for Classmate PCs By Lawrence Casiraya INQUIRER.net First Posted 14:01:00 04/03/2008
SHANGHAI, China--Intel has unveiled a new version of its Classmate PC laptops, anticipating a bigger market due to healthy support from hardware manufacturers.
The second-generation Classmate PCs run on Intel's Celeron M processor with 802.11 b/g WiFi and mesh networking capabilities. The new version comes with 7-inch or 9-inch LCD screen displays, 512MB memory and 30GB hard disk drive.
The new Classmate PC, which costs between $300 to $500, also has a longer battery life and an integrated webcam, and supports both Windows XP and Linux.
Intel has rolled out the new version to about 500 students in various schools in China, according to Andrew Chien, vice president for Intel Research, during a developer forum here.
Chien said future designs of the Classmate PC will use the Intel Atom microprocessors now powering mobile Internet devices or MIDs.
Intel is working with more than 80 partners, including hardware manufacturers, content providers and education services providing support for the Classmate PC.
The Classmate PC falls under Intel's "Netbook" category of low-cost, low-power laptop designs intended for first-time PC users in emerging markets. Only five percent of children worldwide today have access to PCs, according to Intel.
"We learned from the first version that we needed to stretch the capability of the product and capitalize on the robust support from partners for this platform," said Chien.
In the Philippines, Intel last year donated first-version Classmate PCs to at least two schools. Local retailer Neo has announced a commercial version, which costs P16,999.
More than 25 vendors worldwide are supporting the Classmate PC, according to Intel. During a briefing, Chinese vendors HCL and Founder introduced products based on the Classmate PC design.
The Intel Netbook model falls ideally between the $250 to $350 price point, according to Tom Rampone, general manager Intel channel platform group.
"It's quite possible to deliver the Classmate PC within this price range," he said, adding the run-rate for Classmate PCs have now reached up to "hundreds of thousands per quarter."
Lali Ibrahim, general manager Intel emerging markets group, said the Classmate PC is likewise available in mature market such as the United States and Europe.
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