Intel And Lenovo Team Up On Classmate+ PC Notebook

Long live the Classmate PC! It really started as a dream many years ago, mostly in the shape of the OLPC. The dream of a $99 laptop for kids to learn on still hasn't truly come to life, but that doesn't mean that "low-cost laptops" don't exist. The Classmate PC has lived on in many forms, shipping to various schools around the world and putting computing power into the hands of our youth. Now, Lenovo and Intel and teaming up for the latest version. The Classmate PC+ is the newest model, and it's considered a purpose-built notebook for kids in grades K-8.

It's based around Intel's Learning Series reference design, and it'll come pre-loaded with the Intel Learning Series software suite, specialized educational software and a variety of teaching resources. This spring, the Organization of Ibero-American States will  deploy the first wave of 158,000 Lenovo Classmate+ laptops as part of its Conectar Igualdad 1:1 computing program, which will equip students throughout the country with PC technology. It's also fairly rugged, designed to withstand the bruises that will definitely come when used by schoolkids.

As for hardware? There's an Atom processor, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, a 10.1" LED screen, 1.3MP camera, multiple USB ports, a 4-in-1 card reader and a 250GB hard drive. Windows 7 is the oeprating system, and the machine is available right away to qualified education and government customers through Lenovo sales representatives and channel partners. The price of the Classmate+ PC will vary in each market based on regional taxes, tariffs and configuration options.

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and SANTA CLARA, CALIF. – March 10, 2011: Today, Lenovo and Intel Corporation announced the Lenovo Classmate+ PC, a purpose-built laptop designed to improve learning for students in grades K-8.

The Lenovo Classmate+ provides schools an affordable, child-friendly complete hardware and software solution. Based on the Intel Learning Series reference design, the PC will come pre-loaded with the Intel Learning Series software suite, specialized educational software and a variety of teaching resources. This spring, the Organization of Ibero-American States will deploy the first wave of 158,000 Lenovo Classmate+ laptops as part of its Conectar Igualdad 1:1 computing program, which will equip students throughout the country with PC technology.

"As the fastest-growing PC company in education, we are committed to creating education solutions that improve schools' efficiency, as well as leading initiatives to evaluate how technology can measurably improve learning outcomes," said Michael Schmedlen, Director of Worldwide Education, Lenovo. "Our work with Intel to offer products like the Lenovo Classmate+ PC will create more opportunities for K-8 administrators, teachers and students to realize the benefits of technology-enriched 1:1 learning experiences."

"Lenovo is the first multi-national company to offer the Intel Learning Series classmate PC for the global education market," said Kapil Wadhera, General Manager, Education Market Platform Group, Intel. "We are thrilled to welcome Lenovo to the Intel Learning Series Alliance and to work with them to extend the platforms to benefit more students and teachers around the world."

Intel Learning Series Momentum Continues
Since its introduction, more than 3 million Intel-powered classmate PCs have shipped globally. The Lenovo Classmate+ laptop is designed for how children learn, based upon years of Intel's ethnographic research in education and Lenovo's heritage in this segment. The PC combines a modern design with ruggedness, full PC functionality and enhanced performance. The configurations pass rigorous testing with their drop-resistant exteriors and spill-resistant keyboards.

The Lenovo Classmate+ PC offers a full computing experience, equipped with an Intel® Atom™ processor, Ethernet and WiFi Internet connectivity, Windows 7 operating system and high-capacity storage up to 250 GB or solid state drive options. It also comes with a 10.1 inch LED backlit screen, a 1.3 megapixel camera, multiple USB ports and a 4-in-1 card reader to support viewing multimedia.