Mysteries solved--new Intel Classmate PC unveiled

Boasting bigger screens, bigger hard drives, and an integrated Webcam, updated versions of the Classmate PC were introduced at the Intel Developer Forum Thursday.

The 7-inch Classmate PC in blue

(Credit: Intel)

Blurred images of laptops that looked strikingly similar to the Classmate have been floating around the blogosphere over the last couple of weeks, popping up with different names, like the 2go PC. That's just one version, which will be made by Computer Technology Link, or CTL.

Intel creates the basic design for the Classmate PC, a category of computer the chipmaker is calling a NetBook, and regional manufacturers put their own spin on it.

The latest versions will be available starting this month with a 9-inch screen and a 30GB hard drive. It will sell for between $300 and $500. Those prices put it just above the cost of the Classmate PC's chief competition, the XO from the One Laptop Per Child program. The XO costs just under $200, and is chiefly targeted at students in developing nations.

The price of the new Classmate PCs put it in direct competition with the popular Eee PC from Asus, which is also a small, light laptop. From the beginning, Asus has said its Eee PC was intended for children, not necessarily for emerging countries, however. The larger screen, bigger hard drive, and higher price show Intel intends to go after mainstream Western markets now, too.

Don't miss CNET's full review of the new 9-inch Classmate PC.

Click here for more stories on IDF Shanghai.

[rodaniel]

Rethinking Kids & Computers

Of course, it remains to be proven that the introduction of technology will magically equate to a more efficient learning environment for children - third world or otherwise.

In fact, it may be worth considering whether computers could actually be a barrier to young kids learning to think creatively, solve problems, and develop strong real-world social skills.

[russkeller]

Access to Wikipedia is HUGE

Access to the worlds largest encyclopedia alone makes it worthwhile. The rest is parenting keeping them off the porn and game sites.

[AppleSuxLeo]

Advantage MSFT !

The big Softie gives us OS support for like 13+ years...in the meantime , Apple makes you throw everthing out and start over every FEW years.
Heck , Apple even copied our PC platform (even though they used to bash it) And Safari browser is now known as Swiss-cheese. This from the company who`s turtle-necked stooge touts Apple as the secure products company.

[Dalkorian]

back to your cave

Go back to your cave troll. The only reason I'm bothering to
respond to your nonsense is to point out to others (who may not
have had that first cup yet) that there isn't one lick of truth in
*anything* you posted and it has absolutely no connection at all to
the article. It's all BS obviously spewed out of a paid M$ troll.