14 DAY TRIAL // Philippine PC vendor Neo has recently launched its first Netbook PC powered by an Intel processor. Just like its older Classmate PC sibling, the Neo Explore X-1, the new sub-notebook is primarily aimed at the educational market, and comes as an affordable solution to unlock new possibilities in the learning process.
According to Mariel Que, business development manager of Neo, the new PC is a "simple, practical, PC-type gadget that is also ruggedized, durable and lightweight." Despite the fact that the ultra-portable PC is tailored to match the needs of school-age children, it can be used by any person that needs access to the web.
"Intel and Neo are working to develop affordable and relevant PC designs to suit local market needs. The Neo eXplore is designed for people who previously couldn't afford to buy a PC for accessing the Internet," claimed Rich Banaag, Intel Philippines executive manager.
The Neo Explore X-1 is powered by an ultra-low-voltage Intel Celeron processor running at 900 MHz. The notebook also features 512MB of RAM memory, a 30-gigabyte flash drive to meet the storage needs, Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, two USB 2.0 slots and a built-in SD/MMC card reader. Unlike other educational notebooks, the Neo Explore comes with a pre-installed version of Windows XP Starter Edition.
The ultra-portable notebook weighs only 1.4 kilograms, and will most probably come with the same funny transportation handle as its older brother. Availability has not been announced yet, but the notebook is sure to come with a price tag of $408 (P16,999).
Last week, Intel announced that the company will ship its Classmate PC in America and on the European continent in large amounts, in order to allow children in the developing nations to enjoy learning on an Internet-centric basis.