Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Technology => Topic started by: DoctorBeaver on 21/03/2008 09:09:12

Title: Intel to market ultra cheap laptop
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 21/03/2008 09:09:12
From The Times Online

Intel, the world's largest chip-maker, has said it will let Western consumers buy a low-cost laptop originally designed for poor children in the developing world.

The US technology giant said it would team up with PC makers to release a new version of its Classmate PC, which sells in developing countries for $285 (£144), in the US and Europe - possibly by Christmas.

The company did not say how much the device will cost, but analysts suggested that it could go on sale for as little as $500 (£252), and would bring new momentum to the shift towards low-cost computing at a time when consumers will be watchful about spending.

Intel's new laptop, which has been trialled at schools in Texas, Oregon, and California, will join a string of low-cost computers to have entered Western markets in the past year. Asus's Eee PC, which retails for £215 in the UK, has been popular since going on sale at the end of last year, while Elonex, a British firm, last month unveiled a new cheap laptop called the One, which will cost just £99.


The article goes on to say...

The main reason such machines are so cheap is that they run on open-source software such as Linux, meaning manufacturers don't have to pay licence fees to companies such as Microsoft. They also typically have smaller screens, run on older chips, and dispense with certain features, such as CD drives.

Title: Intel to market ultra cheap laptop
Post by: lyner on 21/03/2008 10:29:13
Great for Schools or anywhere (homes) where there's a network - small hard drives and no CD drive aren't a problem. Thin client rules for anything but games and posh media.
Title: Intel to market ultra cheap laptop
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 21/03/2008 13:36:45
Hopefully they'll have USB.
Title: Intel to market ultra cheap laptop
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 21/03/2008 13:38:52
Here's a bit about the Elonex

http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/02/20/elonex-100-laptop-specs-leaked (http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2008/02/20/elonex-100-laptop-specs-leaked)