Tech Digest | March 10, 2011 | ShinyJess
Together Intel the chipmaker and Lenovo the PC maker will deploy 158,000 laptops to students in Argentina. What started out as a reference design for affordable laptops for the developing world from Intel, will now be given a proper launch with Lenovo onboard.
For schools
The Classmate+ model is the same as existing Classmate PCs, but the new portable computing system is specifically targeted at the educational segment, and especially the students in grades K-8.
Furthermore, the involvement of Lenovo will add benefits of scale, and the possibility for multiple hardware configurations. Specs include an Intel Atom processor, Windows 7, and solid-state drive or hard-disk drive options of up to 250 gigabytes. There is also Ethernet and WiFi connections, a 10.1-inch LED-backlit screen, multiple UBS ports, a 1.3 megapixel webcam and a 4-in-1 card reader to support multimedia viewing. Multiple battery options are available, with choices of 3-cell or 6-cell power packs.
The laptop will likely be kept affordable, with pricing suggested at around $300-$400.
Rugged design
The purpose of this laptop is to help students in developing world with learning, meaning the kit will not be available to buy by the general public.
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