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Intel debuts new low-cost notebook

by on04 April 2008

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Has the Eee PC in its sights


Intel debuted a low-cost mini-notebook laptop model yesterday, known as the second generation Classmate PC. This new model has a more traditional keyboard and touchpad, a 30 GB 1.8-inch hard drive, a 900MHz Intel Celeron M353 processor, an integrated Webcam and has a larger screen size that has been increased from 7 inches to 9 inches.

It weighs just 3.3 pounds, or 3.9 pounds with the AC adapter. Unfortunately, the screen resolution has not improved, as it still has the same low 800x480 resolution. This new low-cost laptop is the second iteration of the One Laptop Per Child organization’s laptop, the XO, and Intel’s original Classmate PC. The original XO had an AMD processor inside, while Intel eventually opted to go with its own brand of processors and its own brand name.

The XO was designed to be low-cost and be sold in sufficient quantities to make it profitable for manufacturers. The XO was supposed to retail for less than US$100; it ended up priced at about $200; and international and business politics and bickering kept both the XO and the first generation Classmate PC from being sold in mass quantities.

According to Intel, the second generation Classmate PC will retail for considerably more, at approximately US$400.  Rather than appealing to users in underdeveloped nations, however, the second gen Classmate PC has been released in response to the huge popularity of the Asus Eee PC and the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC for retail sales in the U.S., E.U. and developed nations. 

Not only are these small laptops more affordable and convenient for student use, they are also quite handy for travelers and people on the go who do not need a lot of bells and whistles on their laptops. The case is designed for slightly more rugged treatment and portability, with a removable snap-on leather cover that can double as a convenient carrying handle.

According to CNET, Intel is creating the basic reference design, and OEMS in different world regions will manufacture the Classmate PC systems. CNET also says that it will first be released later this spring by laptop vendor, Computer Technology Link, as the 2goPC model.

Read more here.

Last modified on 04 April 2008
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