Intel to unveil low-cost notebooks by year"s end

18.08.2005
Von Melissa P.

Aside from its popular low-cost desktop computer offering dubbed as People?s PC, Intel Microelectronics Philippines is also looking forward to release this year discounted notebook computers targeted specifically for students, home users, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

The microprocessor company has already presented a prototype to the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT). ?The presentation went very well and I believe that Commissioner Virgilio Peña was happy with what he saw. He?s continuously challenging us to further develop the offering and bring it to a price that will be affordable for our target market,? said Intel?s country manager Ricardo Banaag.

He noted, however, that although the project aims to offer low-cost products, Intel would not stoop to a level where it will sacrifice quality.

?We want to come up with a configuration that can perform not only the basic programs, but also those that will allow users to run more complex applications such as games, CD burning and other on-demand programs,? Banaag explained.

He added that Intel wants to make certain that the products fit the needs of students, particularly those in college. He added that the notebook is also positioned to serve as a desktop alternative to home users. Banaag, however, declined to disclose details on the possible prices of the discounted computers.

?We want to bring technology to the people by making it more affordable. But by making this more affordable, we don?t want to compromise the technology,? noted Peter Choong, sales and marketing director of Intel.

In October 2004, Intel launched the People?s PC program for desktop computers as part of its digital ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) project, which targets to ramp up the penetration of mobile technologies in the region, such as desktop and notebook PCs.

The project also supports the wider deployment of broadband technologies such as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) and WiMax.

The initiative has been divided into three phases: adoption or awareness of technologies, acquisition, and adaptation -- in which consumers are actually using the acquired technologies in key applications, such as mobile and online transactions.

Choong characterized the Philippines as ?a good mix between adoption and acquisition?.

In line with this vision, one of Intel?s primary focus this year is the deployment of the electronic community centers (e-community centers) project. Through the program, computer laboratories equipped with desktop PCs and Internet access are set up in rural and urban barangays nationwide to promote greater public use.

?We look forward to establishing around 1,500 e-community centers by 2010,? said Banaag.