Hewlett Packard has just unveiled their new HP Mini 100e Education Edition Netbook which has been designed specifically with kids and the classroom in mind.
The 10 inch netbook comes with an Intel N455 Atom processor, 1GB DDR3 RAM and 160GB Hard drive.
You also get optional Wi-Fi, an Ethernet connection, and an integrated worldwide modem that is compatible in all countries with the V.92 standard which means in remote areas students can use a dial up connection over a standard phone line.
Available operating systems include Windows 7 Starter, XP and SUSE Linux Enterprise 11.
HP is selling the Mini 100e directly to schools and educational establishments so you can’t buy one for personal use.
So far it sounds just like a bog standard netbook but the Mini 100e is also tougher than standard netbooks and comes with metal alloy hinges with steel pin axles and a spill resistant keyboard, which is a good idea if its primarily kids that will be using it.
Incidentally the keyboard is 92 percent full size and the netbook has a fairly large track pad.
There’s also a red light that shines when it is being used online which means that if it’s used in the classroom, teachers can keep an eye on whether kids are updating Facebook, watching YouTube or surfing the net when they shouldn’t be.
“It also includes separate headphone and MIC ports to allow the Mini 100e to easily connect to other devices, along with a VGA webcam that offers enhanced sound quality and reduced echo in virtual conferencing, language courses and interactive multimedia classroom sessions” said HP in a press release.
As you would expect it comes with a variety of education and security programs such as Microsoft Office 2010, Microsoft Math, and Microsoft Security Essentials.
It also comes in a wide variety of colours and can be personalized with school logos, mottos or a picture.
The Mini 100e is expected to be available in July, and will be on a per deal basis although the cost of individual units isn’t expected to exceed $299
“HP is committed to helping schools adapt to students’ changing needs and to creating solutions that provide better interactivity, connectivity and learning,” said Dan Forlenza, vice president and general manager, Business Notebooks, Personal Systems Group, HP.
“The HP Mini 100e is an affordable, feature-rich device that helps ensure every student has the tools needed for success in their academic endeavours.”
