| Intel updates junior laptop |
Apr. 03, 2008
 Intel has unveiled a new version of its Classmate mini-laptop reference design. Now targeting consumers and schoolchildren both, and running Linux or Windows XP, the device has a 30GB hard drive, a revised touchpad and keyboard, webcam, and a nine-inch screen.
(Click here for a larger view of the Classmate/2Go PC)
The original Classmate debuted in March 2007 as part of Intel's "World Ahead" program aimed at schoolchildren in emerging markets. Available with a 1GB SSD (solid-state drive) packing Linux or a 2GB SSD packing Windows XP, the Classmate was widely viewed as Intel's response to the Linux- and AMD-based OLPC (One Laptop Per Child) device.
Intel's second-generation Classmate
(Click image to enlarge) |
The second-generation Classmate will be sold directly to the public. While Intel created the reference design (right), OEMs in various regions will be responsible for manufacturing and sales. First to announce is Portland-based Computer Technology Link (CTL), which says it will sell the Classmate as the 2Go PC (seen above) for prices ranging from $300 to $500.
The Classmate now includes new features intended to help it compete with other mini-laptops, such as Asus's hot-selling Eee PC. While Intel has retained the three-pound device's kid-friendly rounded corners, it switched from the original Classmate's round touchpad to a conventional-looking square design. The Classmate also now includes a right-shift key, which was previously missing.
Technical upgrades include a nine-inch screen, offering the same 800 x 480 resolution as the previous seven-inch panel. The new Classmate also includes a VGA-resolution webcam and an available six-cell battery, according to the company.
Notably, Intel has moved away from flash storage to a 1.8-inch (sub laptop-sized) hard drive. With a suitable operating system installation, the Classmate could still be configured as a solid-state device, since it includes a bootable SD slot.
Announcing the Classmate at its Intel Developer Forum (IDF) in Shanghai, China, Intel said future iterations of the product will use its Centrino Atom chipset. However, today's second-generation device uses a 900MHz Celeron ULV processor and an Intel 915GMS chipset. A single DIMM socket comes with 512MB of RAM installed, but supports up to 1GB of 400/533MHz DDR2 RAM.
The Classmate includes 802.11b/g wireless networking, capable of working in a mesh configuration that allows multiple devices to share a single Internet connection. It also has a port for a wired 10/100 Ethernet connection.
Other interfaces, pictured below, include microphone in, headphone out, and dual USB ports. Finally, the Classmate also offers stereo speakers. Unlike "grownup" laptops, however, the device does not include a VGA output.
The second-generation Classmate's ports
Features and specifications listed by Intel and CTL for the Classmate/2Go PC include:- Processor -- 900MHz Intel Celeron ULV, with 915GMS chipset
- Memory -- 512MB of RAM, expandable to 1GB of 400/533MHz DDR2 RAM
- Storage -- 1.8-inch hard disk drive, listed as 30GB by Intel, but specified as a 40GB, 4200-rpm unit by CTL
- Display -- 9-inch LCD with 800 x 480 resolution
- Camera -- webcam with 640 x 480 resolution
- Networking:
- LAN -- 10/100 Ethernet port
- WLAN -- 802.11b/g, compatible with mesh networking
- Other I/O:
- 2 x USB 2.0
- audio mic in, line out
- stereo speakers
- Expansion -- SD slot
- Dimensions -- 8.7 x 7.3 x 1.5 inches
- Weight -- less than three pounds
The 2Go PC has already reached the hands of reviewers at CNET.com and Laptop magazine. CNET's Dan Ackerman said the device "isn't built for speed," but added that "the Windows XP operating system, Office, basic Web browsers, and media players worked reasonably well." Laptop's Joanna Stern reached similar conclusions about its performance, but called the second-generation Classmate a "serious improvement," and noted the potential for up to five hours of battery life.
Availability
According to CTL, the 2Go PC will be available in May from the company's own website, here, and from Amazon. It will be offered with either Linux or Windows XP.
To read CNET's review of a second-generation Classmate, from an undisclosed supplier, see here. Laptop's review of the CTL version is available here.
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
news feed