Intel Launches Classmate PC

Part of an ongoing program, through which Intel is trying to give something back to the needy and the poor, has led to the development of Intel powered Classmate PCs. This initiative, called "Intel World Ahead Program", was originally announced in May 2006. At the Intel Developer Forum held in San Francisco, Intel's CEO and president Paul Otellini introduced this model, the "Classmate PC", as an under $400 option for "emerging markets".

Although another thing comes to mind when I look at Intel's low-cost notebook, the One Laptop Per Child (OPLC) initiative, I have to admit that Intel's version of it isn't as cheap as the OLPC, and also, it has better features than that one. This series of low-cost notebooks is codenamed Eduwise, they are being manufactured by Taiwan's Uniwill Computer, now a part of Elite Computers Systems (ECS).

Willy Agatstein, Intel vice president for sales and marketing group and general manager for Emerging Markets Platform Group stated that:"Intel has a long history of supporting education initiatives driven by the belief that technology can open the world's opportunities for students. Our goal is to provide students with the 21st-century skills they need, such as collaboration and critical thinking, to help ensure that they're prepared to succeed in the knowledge-based economy. We are working hard to help foster innovation, creativity and locally driven content and give children the support to communicate worldwide. We expect Intel-powered classmate PCs to be an important device to help in education as well."

The configuration for these models includes an undisclosed Intel Celeron M processor, an 7-inch WVXGA (800x480) LCD display, 256MB DDR2 SO-DIMM memory and a 1GB NAND for storage. The systems are supposed to run Windows XP and have a standard 6-cell Lithium ION battery. Also, the pricing is said to be under $400, but it will range between $220-$300, depending on taxes.