The head of the world’s largest chipmaker has unveiled a new low-cost mobile personal computer designed to provide affordable, collaborative learning environments for teachers and young students around the world.
Intel Corp. Chief Executive Paul Otellini said the $400 machines—code-named “Eduwise”—will feature built-in wireless and will be able to run Microsoft Corp.’s Windows or the Linux operating system.
The cheaper PCs are part of a USD 1 billion investment by Intel over the next five years to promote the use of computers in schools, cafes and other public spots in developing countries, Otellini added.
What we want to do is accelerate to uncompromised technology for everyone in the world, Otellini said during a demonstration at the World Congress on Information Technology in Austin. “No one wants to cross the digital divide with yesterday’s technology.”
The Eduwise machine was designed by Santa Clara, Calif.-based Intel but will be built by its computer-making customers. Otellini said the devices should be available next year.
The flip-open Eduwise computer includes a handle, light blue accents and snaps shut like a purse. Special software allows students in a classroom to view presentations; take tests and interact individually with their teachers using a built-in wireless connection.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor Nicholas Negroponte’s nonprofit “one laptop per child” association hopes to begin providing USD 100 laptops to millions of children in India, China, Egypt, Brazil, Thailand, Nigeria and Argentina by early 2007.
Many high-tech companies, including Intel rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc. and Microsoft, have announced similar initiatives in an effort to close the digital divide between developed and developing nations.