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Intel Revises Classmate PC
Intel's clamshell-style Classmate PC gains additional battery life and an antimicrobial coating standard. |
Intel unveiled a new version of its Classmate PC design Tuesday. The updated clamshell-style netbook, which is targeted for K-12 education environments, gains the latest Intel Atom processor and adds other refinements.
Intel's clamshell Classmate PC is a reference netbook design. Part of a larger series of computing devices made for education, it offers a ruggedized exterior, water resistance, and other features tailored for the less than delicate handling by students. It includes wired and wireless network connectivity; a built-in camera, microphone, and headphone jack; and an SD card slot.
Among the features in the latest design is the integration of the latest Intel Core-based Atom processor with improved overall battery life using a six-cell lithium-ion battery and various technologies designed to reduce power consumption, including a more efficient motherboard design. Intel also said the new system gains improved ruggedness with a rubberized surface and the addition of "crush zones" and more air cushions positioned near sensitive areas to protect from shocks and vibrations.
Other features include:
- Improved water resistance for the keyboard, touchpad, and screen, with the ability to withstand a spill of up to 100 cc, or, as Intel described it, "approximately half the contents of a juice box";
- An antimicrobial coating;
- Rounded corners and rubber hard drive cage, among other protective features carried over from the previous design.
Further information about Intel's Classmate PC and the Intel Learning Series can be found here.