Classmate Computer is a portable personal computer from Intel. It has been specifically designed for the needs of school-going children and to help them learn, interact and develop. The Classmate PC is part of Intels World Ahead program, which aims to bring technology to the countries of the developing world.
The Classmate Computer, being intended for children, is small and light. It is encased in blue leather and has a magnetic clasp to keep it shut with a carry handle at the back. The computer has a small, TFT screen around seven inches diagonally. The screen has a resolution of 800 x 480 and despite its small dimensions, the display is bright and vivid in the standard of conventional notebooks.
The keyboard of the Classmate Computer has been purposely kept small which is just as well considering that its target users are schoolchildren. The touchpad is in a round shape and the two buttons mounted below it are prompt in their response. The computer runs on Microsoft Windows XP Embedded Version 2002 with Service Pack 2. it comes installed with hardware drives and basic Windows Accessories applications.
The Classmate Computer is equipped with a 900 M Hz Celeron CPU and 256 MB of RAM on board. If one considers how much memory the Intel GM 915 integrated graphics would be using up, then one is left with only 248 MB of usable system memory. However, since the computer is intended for the use of schoolchildren who are unlikely to use the bloated Windows applications, the modest amount of memory should be sufficient.
The Classmate Computer does not come with built-in hard drive and instead has 1 GB of flash memory for data storage. The storage module is connected to the Classmate PC via the USB interface. This has certain advantages because not only is the USB storage solution cheap and easily replaceable but the absence of hard drives means that the computer is safer than typical notebooks when it comes to drops, shocks and dust ingress.
The Classmate Computer can be connected to a RealTek Wi-Fi adapter via the USB. It also has a built-in Fast Ethernet adapter in case the computers are used in a school that is equipped with a wired network. The option of connecting headphones and microphones means that the students can work without disturbing each other. Moreover the audio input/output functionality means that the PC can be used for voIP and video conferencing which holds promise for those children who do not have a proper school near their homes.
Once the Classmate Computer is connected to the teachers machine, he or she will be able to directly access every students desktop. This will make it possible for the teacher to monitor every childs progress in real time without the of any more text books, exercise books and pencils. Together with Intels commitment to WiMax, the Classmate PC has the potential to improve education in the developing countries.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
New classmate computer from Intel
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