Intel has announced that inexpensive Classmate PC laptops are now shipping in volume to emerging markets
The Celeron M-powered classmate, which is capable of running both the Windows and Linux operating systems, is targeting K-12 schools. The company also plans to run Intel-powered classmate PC pilot programs in more than 25 countries this year, including Chile, China, India, Indonesia, Libya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.
This year, Intel plans for these classmate PCs to be available in such languages as English, Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Turkish.
The Intel-powered classmate PC is part of the Intel World Ahead Program. Intel is working with curriculum and teachers to improve education in developing countries. The Intel Teach program develops local content such as the science and math curriculum based on Intel’s skoool, an online digital learning tool that offers a scalable, multimedia, multi-device learning for mathematics and science.
Intel says it will invest more than $1 billion over the next 5 years in this program. Intel is also working with ministries of education in more than 30 countries to train 10 million teachers by the end of the decade on how to apply technology to improve learning, potentially benefiting more than 100 million students.
Classmate PCs are rugged and are capable of running mainstream applications including video and educational software. They feature water-resistant keyboard, teacher-student and teacher-parent collaboration, and an advanced theft-control using a network-issued digital certification.
Intel competes with the One Laptop Per Child project, which plans to distribute its Linux-based XO mobile computers for approximately $140 each. The Classmate PC was initially expected to sell for $200 per unit, but the price has steadily climbed and could reach between $250 and $400 at the official launch.
- Processor: 433 Mhz AMD Geode processor
- RAM: 256 MB dynamic RAM
- FLASH: 1024 MiB SLC NAND flash
- Batteries: nickel-metal hydride battery that allows anywhere between 6 and 20 hours depending on what features are in use. When power sockets aren’t available, users can recharge the battery with a built-in pull-string charger.
- Screen: 7-1/2 inch dual-mode LCD supports a resolution of 1200×900 in monochrome mode and 800×600 in color mode.
- Networking: wireless mesh network technology
- MultiMedia: built-in microphone and an integrated camera can capture video at 30 frames per second with a resolution of 640×480.
- I/O Options: a rubber-membrane keyboard and a touchpad that also supports stylus input.
- Operating System: Linux
- Price: The XO laptop was initially targeting $100 per unit, but the price reached $140 after the addition of several features, including the video camera.
Intel’s Classmate PC features:
- Processor: Intel ULV 900 MHz Mobile Processor, Zero L2 cache, 400 MHz FSB
- RAM: DDR-II 256M SO-DIMM
- FLASH: 1GB/2GB NAND Flash
- Screen: Seven inch LCD that supports a resolution of 800×480,
- Batteriers: Six-cell battery that provides approximately four hours of uptime when fully charged
- Networking: built-in Ethernet and 802.11G wireless hardware.
- MultiMedia: Stereo 2 Channel Audio, Built-in Speakers and Microphone, Jack for External Output and Microphone Input
- I/O Options: Users can input notes with an optional wireless pen device
- Operating System: Windows XP Pro*/ Linux*
- Price: Classmate PC was initially targeting $200 per unit,, the price has climbed and could be anywhere between $250 and $400 at launch.
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