Classmate laptop to debut in UK

A newly designed version of an Intel laptop could be making its debut in schools across the UK, and could play an important role in enhancing education.

According to recent reports technological giant Intel has designed a new version of a laptop that was originally aimed for the developing world, and the newly designed version could soon be winging its way to classrooms across the UK. The laptop, known as the Classmate, can be converted to a tablet PC, which would enable children to write and draw more naturally without compromising on the benefits of having such a device on hand.

The laptop will be available in the UK from next month, and as well as being sold via High Street and online retailers will also be sold directly to schools. The retail price of the machine is set to be £349. Intel officials have said that whilst the machine was originally designed for developing countries it is now being introduced to Westernised countries such as the UK because of the pledge that governments have made to try and reduce digital divides and provide more people with access to the Internet.

An official from Intel said: “Two years ago there was not a lot of interest from mature markets, but that has changed and governments are saying they need to do something to combat social deprivation.” He added: “It is encouraging that the UK government has publicly committed itself to driving higher standards and better outcomes for children by breaking down barriers to achievement and tackling the link between deprivation and low educational attainment.”

With the UK government having announced that it wants to increase access for more people in the UK by providing PCs to needy households, Intel is now in talks with government officials with regards to providing classrooms with these Classmate laptops as part of that scheme.