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March 30, 2006, 11:34 AM ET
Intel Unveils $400 Laptop for Education
Intel’s CEO Paul Otellini showed off a prototype of a low-cost laptop designed for use in education at an event in Brazil, according to a news report in a technology publication in that country. Mr. Otellini said the laptop, to be called Eduwise, will cost $400, have a computer chip made by Intel, and be available starting in 2007. The laptop apparently boasts more features than the $100 laptop being developed by the One Laptop Per Child project that MIT is involved in, but its larger pricetag would probably keep it out of range of students in developing nations. Intel’s Web site does not appear to provide any details about the forthcoming product, and attempts to reach a human public relations official were unsuccessful (though The Chronicle did fill out a request for comment form on the company’s "Corporate Press Relations" page, which promises a response "within two working days.") A blog post on Engadget points out that computer makers have promised cheap laptops in the past, and that the price always seems to creep up by the time the product is released.
For more on the One Laptop Per Child project, see an article from The Chronicle by Jeffrey R. Young.
Update: An Intel spokeswoman, Agnes Kwan, just called to confirm that the company is working on developing a low-cost laptop named Eduwise. "It’s a small laptop prototype with unique hardware and software features that meet the needs of students and teachers in developing countries," she said. When asked to give an example of a student-friendly feature, she said it was too soon to name any specifics. She said Intel won’t be manufacturing the device, and that the chip company is still talking to other corporate partners to see who will make them. Those manufacturers will set the final price for the laptop, Ms. Kwan said.
Categories: Teaching
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