Intel Inveils 2nd Generation Classmate PC

Intel is unveiling its 2nd generation Classmate PC that the company states is fully redesigned and that they call a Netbook. These new computers will be available to support both Linux and Windows XP. According to the Intel press release these new systems will be powered by:

The second-generation classmate PCs are built on Intel® Celeron® M processor with 802.11b/g Wi-Fi and mesh network capabilities. The top range of these netbooks includes a 9-inch LCD screen, 6-cell battery life, 512 MB memory, a 30 GB HDD (hard disk drive) storage and an integrated webcam. An Intel powered classmate PC supports Microsoft* Windows* XP and variants of the Linux* operating environment. When pre-installed with the education software stack, these netbooks are ideal for classroom-learning environment. Software and content will be available in more than eight languages.

In addition future versions of the Classmate netbook will be powered by Intels new Atom processor that the company states:

Chien also said future Intel-powered classmate PCs will be built with the Intel® Atom™ processor. It is an energy-efficient, low-cost computer chip designed to provide wireless capability to small mobile computing devices such as netbooks.

Over 80 companies worldwide are joining in the development of the new computers which are designed for 3rd world countries.  But it now appears that these new systems will also be available in the US as well.

Intel press release with further details is here.

Comments welcome.

[tags]intel, classmate, pc, netbook, MID, computer, microsoft, windows xp, linux, children,  [/tags]