Intel enrols second-gen Classmate PC
OLPC rival revamped
IDF Intel today introduced a new version of its Classmate PC education-oriented sub-laptop. Dubbed the second-generation CPC, the new model tweaks the specs of the original and features a bigger display.
Intel's second-generation Classmate PC: bigger screen
Like its predecessor, the 2G CPC is based on a 900MHz ultra-low voltage Celeron M processor. It has up to 512MB of DDR 2 memory and uses Intel's 915GMS chipset. The old model has 1-2GB of Flash storage - the new version adds a 4GB SSD option and the choice to use a 30GB 1.8in HDD instead.
Portable
Once again, a 7in, 800 x 480 display is part of the spec, but the 2G model can also be fitted with a 9in panel of the same resolution. It can also have a 0.3-megapixel webcam.
The webcam was added to the spec sheet, Intel said, because kids using the original model expressed a desire for more interactivity and online collaboration features. To that end, the 2G CPC also incorporates 802.11s mesh ad-hoc networking software for linking machines over an 802.11b/g WLAN.
Pick up and play
Usage research also showed the need to introduce an accessible battery, and that's a modification that's been made in the 2G CPC. Intel also said the spec now includes both four-cell and six-cell power packs.
Intel defines the CPC spec, but leaves manufacture and final details to system suppliers, who work with its production partner ECS. The CPC's designed for education in the developing world, but it's also available to ordinary consumers there and in the developed world.
Related Review
The OLPC XO laptop
COMMENTS
More pictures
Any chance of see the opposite side of the laptop? Showing the same side from different angles doesn't really help.
Just a poor laptop
Or perhaps a poor laptop for poor children in rich countries.
Or just a poor laptop for poor children in corrupted countries.
only for first world kids if that
there's nothing about rebustness( drop tests ) or water and dust infusion capabilities not to mention the power capabilities other than battery choices. We all must have heard by now that story of how Intel put the Classmate PC in a 3rd world classroom and there were not allowed to take them home and the best part was where Intel had to install a diesel generator outside the class room because the batteries didn't last long enough because of intermittent electricity at the school.
This is a marketing gig and nothing more. And as far as being a competitor to the OLPC, Intel doesn't even meet the hardware design specs of the XO let alone have educational software and collaboration designs. There is no comparison unless you just look at the fact they both use the term "laptop" and they both have a handle.
you know
Why do children need laptops?
It's not like any normal mundane computer orintated office worker task can't be learnt in half an hour.
It would be far more useful if children learnt how to be decent people, basic maths, some English skill and, that reading every once and awhile isn't a bad move.
O well.
Seems familliar
I know the common roots, but do the specs not look almost identical to an EeePC now?
