Intel Classmate PCs Get Better with New Atoms

Since Intel now has a new line of Atom central processing units, it makes sense that it would upgrade all product lines that rely on such chips.

The latest batch of notebooks to be updated is a certain educational line aptly named Classmate PC.

Essentially, it is composed of clamshell and convertible platforms, netbooks for the most part.

Being intended for children's education, they do not have overly high processing and graphics capabilities.

Instead, they strive to offer a decent level of ruggedness and interactivity while sticking to an affordable price point.

Making it light enough for small hands to carry it was not a forgotten detail either.

That said, Intel has just announced that the Classmate PC product series has been upgraded with new Atom CPUs.

These are known as Cedar Trail units and are made on the 32nm manufacturing process.

In addition to the performance and power consumption advantages enabled by the CPUs, Intel's Classmate PCs should also sport a better resistance to common hazards.

"To succeed in today’s global economy, students need to develop 21st century skills like problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration,” says Kapil Wadhera, general manager of Intel's Education Market Platforms Group.

“Technology solutions that are purpose-built for education play a key role in supporting the development of these skills, and we look forward to further enriching the education experience with our new platforms.”

Intel's educational laptops should be able to last for up to 10 hours on a single battery charge, or so the company claims.

As for the better shock and vibration absorption, it comes as a result of strengthened corners. Even a keyboard with a build that withstands prying fingers was thrown into the mix.

Finally, the Classmate PCs have multi-touch support and McAfee AntiVirus, plus other enhancements like theft deterrence, webcam companion (with anti-shake), classroom management, noise filtering, annotation and digital archiving.