Intel Reveals $100 OLPC Laptop Rival

Intel has finally released the details of a new low-budget notebook designed especially for students in developing countries.

The notebook, dubbed the Classmate PC, will be offered to emerging markets as part of the company's "Intel World Ahead Program" which was announced in May.

Although a price has not yet been determined, Intel expects to charge about $250 US, with the price expected to drop to $200 US when the order volume increases. Intel has reported that orders have already been placed from governments in Mexico, Brazil, Nigeria and India. Production is planned for the first quarter of 2007. (Source: digitimes.com)

The Classmate PC includes an Intel Celeron M CPU with 915GMS chipsets and a seven inch LCD display. It also features 256MB RAM, 1GB of flash memory, and a 6-cell standard lithium ion battery. (Source: digitimes.com)

Intel's notebook differs from the model developed by the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) company. OLPC, a non-profit organization, has also created a notebook for students in developing countries, called "The 2B1."

Last year, Intel Chairman Craig Barret labelled the 2B1 "a gadget," arguing that consumers would prefer a computer that can run mainstream software, such as Windows -- a capability that the 2B1 lacks. (Source: arstechnica.com)

Although the price of the 2B1 is expected to run at about 100 euros (approximately $127 US) -- a considerable savings over the Classmate PC -- Intel's notebook dominates in capabilities. The Classmate PC boasts twice the memory, twice the storage capacity, and a considerably faster processor. (Source: arstechnica.com)

While Intel's system boasts better specs, it may be difficult to compete with the 2B1 in terms of price. As the two companies battle it out for market share, developing countries are put in a good situation -- given not only computer access, but choice.