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Next-Generation Intel-Powered Classmate PC To Feature Cedar Trail Atom Chip, Offer Teacher Edition

Intel unveiled soon-to-be-released versions of the Classmate PC, featuring Cedar Trail Atom chipsets, at last week's Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco. The updated netbooks, delivering extended battery life, increased durability, and enhanced connectivity, are the latest iteration of Intel's low-cost PC designed for its Learning Series initiative.

Cedar Trail replaces Intel's current netbook processor, Pine Trail. Based on Intel's 32 nm processor technology, the new platform will feature a number of enhancements:

  • Blu-ray 2.0 support;
  • Full 1080p playback with options for HDMI output and DisplayPort;
  • Intel wireless music;
  • Intel wireless display;
  • PC synch; and
  • Fast boot.

In addition, Cedar Trail will include a fanless design (for ultra-thin portability) and extended battery life (more than 10 hours) and will support multiple operating systems including Windows, Google Chrome, and MeeGo.

Classmate PCs are available in clamshell and convertible tablet models. Both versions include built-in camera and feature increased ruggedness with water-resistant keyboards, optional anti-microbial protection, and enhanced drop protection (up to 70 cm). The mini-notebooks will be pre-loaded with Intel's Learning Series software suite.

New to this release is a teacher edition of the Classmate PC. While there will be interoperability between the teacher and student editions of the Classmate PC--for improved collaboration in the classroom--the educator version will differ in software. Specific details have not yet been released.

While a formal release date has not been announced, Intel reported it expects to release the new reference design for the Classmate PC in the fourth quarter of 2011. Since its inception in 2007, Intel's Learning Series initiative has deployed more than 5 million Classmate PCs worldwide.

About the Author

Kanoe Namahoe is online editor for 1105 Media's Education Group. She can be reached at [email protected].

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