Intel has started shipping their Classmate computers to emerging markets in the hope of bringing technology to those students who can not afford it. The Classmate computer is currently being shipped to such countries as Brazil, Chile, Nigeria, China, India, Indonesia, Libya, Malaysia, , Pakistan, Thailand, Philippines, , Turkey and Vietnam and others, totaling 25 countries. If this pilot programs works well, Intel plans future shipments as well.

When viewing the specifications of the computer system one can see these units are light weight compared to standard computers. Using the mobile M Celeron processor, 256MB memory, 1G flash storage, wireless and powered by Win XPE / Linux. The batteries hold a charge for about 4 hours of use.

Intel describes their product as:

“Advancing Teaching and Interactive Learning Experience
Classmate PC is to bring the full value of PC technology to bear in helping students and educators in primary and secondary schools by assisting in the learning process. With students using the Classmate PC in class, a teacher can make presentations, guide student’s access to the Internet, deliver specific controlled content and interact individually with students
and parents in giving tests or providing feedback. The incorporated education applications integrate with other non-computing learning tasks such as note taking and handwriting with digital pen attachments. As it is based on a full x86 compatible processor, the Classmate PC design can benefit from wide availability of other standard software and tools for additional needs and uses.”

This is a very interesting concept and I wish Intel much success with the project. I believe projects like this are beneficial in bringing more 3rd world countries into our Internet world where they can share their learning experiences.

Specifications in .pdf format.

More pictures of Classmate PC.

Intel Pressroom

[tags]intel, classmate, computer, learning, [/tags]