Intel Offers New Classmate PCs

Intel now offers a new line of touch-screen classmate PCs with improved battery life and ruggedness that also includes several multimedia-friendly features.

The PCs will be powered by Intel's new Atom processors, and the increased battery life will enable students to work up to 10 hours on a single charge. The company has also added features like strengthened corners for shock and vibration absorption, a sturdier keyboard, and improved water resistance.

In conjunction with handwriting software and a special stylus, students can write directly on the screen, an experience the company compares to writing on paper. Additional multimedia features include built-in camera, photo view, media player, and drawing applications.

A touch-optimized application, LabCam, offers tools for helping students use the camera to analyze visual data. Teachers can also set appropriate student access in school and at home using new access management features.

"To succeed in today’s global economy, students need to develop 21st century skills like problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration," said Kapil Wadhera, general manager of Intel's Education Market Platforms Group in a statement. "Technology solutions that are purpose-built for education play a key role in supporting the development of these skills, and we look forward to further enriching the education experience with our new platforms."

According to the company, OEMs for the new devices include ASI, Babilon Technologies, Compumax, Computek, CTL, Equus, JP SaCouto, Koodoo, Lanix, Lenovo, M&A, Mustek, NTT System, Paradigit Computers, Positivo, RM, Sigong, Stone, and Viper.

About the Author

Stephen Noonoo is an education technology journalist based in Los Angeles. He is on Twitter @stephenoonoo.

Featured

  • AI toolbox containing a wrench, document icon, gears, and a network symbol

    Common Sense Media Releases Free AI Toolkit, AI Readiness & Implementation Guides

    Common Sense Media has developed an AI Toolkit for School Districts, available to educators free of charge, that provides guidelines and resources for implementing AI in education.

  • elementary school building with children outside, overlaid by a glowing data network and transparent graphs

    Toward a Holistic Approach to Data-Informed Decision-Making in Education

    With increasing access to data and powerful analytic tools, the temptation to reduce educational outcomes to mere numbers is strong. However, educational leadership demands a more holistic and thoughtful approach.

  • three silhouetted education technology leaders with thought bubbles containing AI-related icons

    Ed Tech Leaders Rank Generative AI as Top Tech Priority

    In a recent CoSN survey, an overwhelming majority of ed tech leaders (94%) said they see AI as having a positive impact on education. Respondents ranked generative AI as their top tech priority, with 80% reporting their districts have gen AI initiatives underway, or plan to in the current school year.

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.