Tech & Learning - June 2008 - (Page 30)

PRODUCTGUIDE Get Small for Fall Spurred in part by the “One Laptop per Child” (OLPC) movement, a new class of computer—some call them netbooks, some mini-notebooks, and still others ultra-mobile PCs—are being marketed for the classroom. BUT BE WARNED: Just because they are all small doesn’t mean they are alike. For example, although Ethernet network connectivity is standard on most laptops, you won’t find it on the OLPC XO, which was developed primarily for use in developing countries, which are not wired for networking. Likewise for CD or DVD drives—usually absent, to save space and money. Also, look for the open source Linux operating system included on many of the netbooks, although versions of Windows may be available on some models. Here are some features you can expect in these laptops. WIFI Expect wireless Internet connectivity in these computers. Some include wireless mesh networking, allowing communications directly with other machines. (Wired Ethernet, though, is another story. They may or may not include it.) OPERATING SYSTEMS AND HARD DRIVES To provide lower cost options, the open source Linux operating system and flash memory drives are frequently found on these computers. Some also offer standard hard drives and the Windows operating system (usually XP, sometimes CE or Vista) either as options or on their higher end models. PORTS You may find USB ports and card readers on these small laptops, facilitating the transfer of files and data to them— especially useful if the laptop lacks a CD drive. SIZE AND WEIGHT These laptops are all both small and light. Each one is about the size of a large paperback book, with screens of 7-to-9 inches wide and an inch thick, weighing about 2 to 3 pounds (usually depending on choice of battery). PRODUCTS The HP Mini-Notebook (www.hp.com) line offers 5 models, priced from $499 to $849, weighing about 2.5 pounds, and a bit over an inch thick. Available with either Windows Vista or Linux OS, they each have a 9” screen (with 1280 x 768 resolution), a keyboard close to standard size, WiFi, two USB ports, and an optional integrated VGA camera. All but the lowest price model sport a standard hard drive; the $499 model uses flash memory. The price difference in models is accounted for by differences in the processor, the hard drive, and memory. 30 | TECH & LEARNING INTEL The Intel Classmate (www.classmatepc.com) is targeted specifically toward students up to age 14. Available with either Windows XP or Linux, the screen size is either 7 or 9 inches (with 800 x 600 resolution). WiFi, a water resistant keyboard, and a built in microphone are included, with an optional digital camera and digital pen. Similar to the OLPC XO, it offers mesh networking (to enable Classmates to directly connect to other Classmates for collaboration if located close by, usually about 300 feet). About $350. HP http://www.hp.com http://www.classmatepc.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Technology & Learning - June 2008

Technology & Learning - June 2008 Contents Editor's Desk News & Trends They Said It: What Tech&Learning Insiders Are Writing Online Junket Justifiers Back Office Business Students of the World Unite! Get Small for Fall Summer Reading for School Leaders They Can Hear You Now What's New - NECC Highlights and More Leader of the Year Profile

Technology & Learning - June 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.