Philippines' PC Maker Neo Partners With Intel For Mini Laptop

Manila, Philippines (AHN) - Neo, a Philippine PC maker, will work with chipmaker Intel on a mini laptop designed for school children.

Weighing about 1.45 pounds, the Ned eXplore will offer children a portable, lunchbox-sized information tool with the features and capacity of any basic laptop.

Neo spokeswoman Mariel Que described the laptop as "ruggedized and shock-proof," and will come with a spill-resistant keyboard, according to AFP.

According to Rich Banaag of Intel Philippines, the laptop may also be sold beyond school kids, because the basic functions and Internet access would appeal to older computer newcomers.

"Intel and Neo are working to...develop affordable and relevant PC designs to suit local market needs," Banaag told the Inquirer. "The Neo eXplore is designed for people who previously couldn't afford to buy a PC for accessing the Internet."

The Neo eXplore will feature an Intel processor running at 900 Mhz. The PC will also have 512MB of memory, and a 30-gigabyte flash drive.

It will allow Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, will have two USB 2.0 slots, and an SD/MMC card reader.

The laptop will cost $406 run Windows XP Starter Edition.

It will soon be available in major Philippine cities.