Intel demos 'bug-free' PC

SAN FRANCISCO--Intel announced plans Tuesday to supply emerging countries with a new PC made specifically to tolerate hot and dusty conditions.

The chipmaker demonstrated the concept "community computer" during a video presentation at the Intel Developer Forum on Tuesday.

Credit: Michael Kanellos

Intel's "community computer."

The PC is not due out until the beginning of 2006, but it will be marketed to emerging communities in rural and remote areas.

During the demonstration, Intel pointed out that the concept design would need a dust filter built next to the fan intake valve to prevent dust and insects from getting into the PC.

Intel did not say if or when the concept platform might be developed by local PC makers in India or elsewhere, but did say that the PC would need to handle extreme heat exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit (more than 38 degrees Celsius).

The computer displayed at the developer forum included a single-button switch to allow for instant data recovery.

The computer was also outfitted with a power function that would allow the PC to be hooked up to a standard automobile battery. Intel said the feature would be invaluable in some regions where blackouts were not only frequent but long-lived.

The Intel concept computer has similar features to the Max Personal Internet Communicator, which is sponsored by Intel rival Advanced Micro Devices.

[ajbright]

the only thing

that is worth mentioning here is the battery thing, which is kind of funny.

But having worked in Nevada and Alaska with civil engineering projects that make using laptops and sometimes even desktops that run from -35 to +110 degrees, those would be the least I'd expect current technology to handle, and indeed know that with a little bit of care and some minor modifications, it can do exactly that.

100 degrees is a mild day in the summer months in Las Vegas, as -30 is a pretty usual winter temperature in Fairbanks, so having a desktop that can handle this is neither spectacular or newsworthy - they've been doing this for as long as computers were available.

Like I said though, the battery thing is kind of cool, and I can see many applications were this could be useful, particularly in disaster situations or in places where consistent power is just not a reality.

PC Community SO free?

This fantastic idea is going to be complete with a free software or not?