First of locally branded ‘netbooks’ makes debut
By Melvin G. Calimag
Source: Manila Bulletin Online http://www.mb.com.ph/INFO20080409121161.html
April 9, 2008
A new era in the PC business was somewhat born when local computer assembler Neo, together with partner Intel, unveiled last March 28 the first locally branded ‘netbook’ in the Philippines.
Netbook, a term coined by chip giant Intel, refers to the small, Internet-centric, and Flash memory–based sub-laptop category that has emerged lately because of the runaway success of Eee PC of Taiwanese firm Asustek.
Neo, an original design manufacturer (ODM), has labeled its kiddie-looking netbook as Neo eXplore and is based on Intel’s Classmate PC. The chipmaker said Classmate PC actually preceded the Eee PC as the first netbook to be made although it was only restricted for educational use.
With the Eee PC proving to be a hit, Intel has decided to license the Classmate PC design to ODMs. Apart from Neo, Intel said others computer assemblers are currently in the process of building models based on the Classmate PC.
Ricky Banaag, country manager of Intel Microelectronics Philippines, said during the press launch of the Neo eXplore that locals ODMs are expected to launch their own models soon. He refused to identify the local assemblers however.
Seeing a window of opportunity, Intel has in fact created a new processor brand Atom that is meant entirely for netbooks and small mobile computing devices. The Neo eXplore, however, runs on a Celeron M processor since Atom wouldn’t be available until June of this year.
Pegged at R16,999, each version of the Neo eXplore will feature a 7-inch display screen, 512MB to 1GB memory, and 30 GB of storage.
The ruggedized Neo eXplore can perform basic Internet-centric applications such as Web-browsing, email, instant messaging, VoIP, and playing basic online games. Its keyboard is also water-resistant.
“The physical dimensions and user experience of the Neo eXplore make them ideal for younger people, and we are expecting strong demand from a number of segments,” said Mariel Que, business development manager of Ortigas–based Neo.
She explained that netbooks appeal to people who either could not afford or were not planning to buy a mainstream PC.
“They can also be used by those who already have a PC but plan to use a netbook as a companion device.”
Admitting the eXplore may be “too kiddie” for some users, Que they would soon creating a differently designed netbook model that will cater and target more mature users.
Meanwhile, at a recent developer conference in Shanghai, China, Intel has unveiled a new design of the Classmate PC that are now built on Intel Celeron M processor with Wi-Fi and mesh network capabilities.
The top range of these netbooks includes a 9-inch LCD screen, 6-cell battery life, 512 MB memory, a 30GB hard disk drive storage, and an integrated webcam.
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