Intel's Classmate PC for government agencies?

Filed in archive Devices on November 24, 2007

I have mentioned about Intel's Classmate PC being targeted for schools and government agencies. I re-quote

An Intel executive, meanwhile, said the eePC (sic) will not compete directly with the Classmate PC, Intel's own low-cost laptop, which will not be available in the general retail market in the Philippines.

"The two products are aimed at different markets," said Carlo Subido, business solutions manager at Intel. He added that unlike the eePC (sic), the Classmate PC will be marketed specifically for Philippine schools and government agencies.

Whilst the specifications may be suitable for school children, I personally find it too limited for use by office workers/government employees unless Intel plans on releasing a higher spec'd Classmate PC model. As it is, it runs on an Intel 900Mhz processor with 256MB of RAM and up to 2GB of SSD storage. These may be acceptable but the lack of a VGA-port to allow the unit to be connected to an external monitor makes the Classmate PC unsuitable for government agencies. I am waiting to see which Philippine government agency will order the Classmate PC for their employees. :) I think Intel is stretching the device's potential a little bit here.

Here's a first look video of the Classmate PC from CNet. :)