First locally-branded netbook computer launched

MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine company which assembles personal computers (PCs) has introduced the first locally-branded netbook to address the country’s customer segment for low-cost PCs. Called eXplore, the product is Neo’s answer to the small, internet-centric, and solid state memory-based laptops made popular by Eee PC of Asus. The company said the Intel-powered Neo eXplore, based on the Intel classmate PC design, is targeted at young school children and high school students who wish to own a netbook PC for educational purposes. According to the company, Netbook PCs are also intended to appeal to first-time buyers who are unable to afford higher-priced mainstream units and small business owners planning to equip their field staff. With a retail price of P16,999, the netbook will feature a 900MHz Intel Celeron M Processor, 7-inch display screen, 512MB to 1GB memory, and 30 GB of storage. Besides having the ability to handle basic Internet-based applications—web browsing, email, instant messaging, social networking, online video viewing and gaming—the netbook also has a provision allowing phone calls over the internet, also known as VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). The ruggedized netbook PC is equipped with a water-resistant keyboard and is capable of running many applications such as education software. “The Neo eXplore will be critical in serving new customer segments in the Philippines where it is estimated that less than 20 percent of the population has access to a PC or have experienced the positive effects of the Internet to learn new skills and share knowledge with others," Ricky Banaag, Intel Philippines country manager, said in a statement. Intel recently announced a new brand name for netbook processors called the Atom processor which is expected to be launched in June 2008. Formerly code-named Silverthorne and Diamondville, the Intel Atom processor has been designed from the ground-up specifically for netbooks that will begin arriving from various PC manufacturers in the third quarter of 2008. - GMANews.TV