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].

Featured

  • metallic padlock with a glowing keyhole, set on a dark gradient background with a faint digital grid and blue-green highlights

    Microsoft Announces Security Updates

    Microsoft has introduced a handful of new security tools and updates, which the company said adhere to its Secure Future Initiative, a set of three core tenets emphasizing "secure by design, secure by default and secure operations."

  • abstract illustration of a modern school under construction

    N.C. District to Build New K–12 Innovation Center

    Edgecombe County Public Schools in Edgecombe, N.C., has received $62 million in government funding for the development of the new North Edgecombe School of Innovation, according to a news release.

  • A top-down view of a person walking through a maze with walls made of glowing blue Wi-Fi symbols on dark pathways

    Navigating New E-Rate Rules for WiFi Hotspots

    Beginning in funding year 2025, WiFi hotspots will be eligible for E-rate Category One discounts. Here's what you need to know about your school's eligibility, funding caps, tracking requirements, and more.

  • close-up of a video game controller

    Verizon Launches Free Scholastic High School Esports League

    Through its Verizon Innovative Learning HQ suite of free learning content and resources, Verizon has launched its first-ever scholastic high school esports league. The league opened for registration on Aug. 8 and will run from Sept. 23 to Dec. 13.