Intel has unveiled the Intel-powered convertible classmate PC design, joining the existing clamshell design to meet the variety of school students' needs. Apart from this, Intel has also announced a host of other initiatives to extend its efforts in providing the technology education needed to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Addressing the media, John Davies, Vice-President, Sales and Marketing Group and General Manager, Intel World Ahead Programme, said, “Education is one of the best ways to improve the future for individuals, villages, or nations. There are 1.3 billion school-age children around the world and of those only 7 per cent have access to a PC or the Internet. The IT industry has a huge opportunity to contribute to how technology can improve students' learning and students' lives. Intel continues its long-standing commitment to advancing education through technology to transform lives around the world."
The new flexible reference design by Intel converts instantly from a clamshell to a tablet mode with a touch screen to allow for a more intuitive classroom experience. The 180-degree swivel design, rotational camera and touch screen of the new design encourage flexible classroom interaction and natural collaboration. Both the convertible and the clamshell classmate PC designs are based on ethnographic studies and feedback from pilot programmes conducted in both mature and emerging markets.
Built on Intel architecture and powered by the Intel Atom processor, these purpose-built netbooks provide an affordable and functional PC to support a wide variety of classroom applications and activities. Designed with students in mind, the classmate PC is small and light enough for a child to easily carry. Equipped with a water-resistant keyboard, the classmate PC is also "backpack friendly" and able to withstand bumping in a backpack and accidental drops by students.
