Intel gears up for launch of `Classmate PCs'

Intel is gearing up for the launch of the Classmate PC or laptop, expected to cost around Rs 10,000-12,000 and aimed mainly at the educational segment, as part of its `World Ahead Programme.' The process of product customisation is on, according to Mr B. Suryanarayanan, Director (Sales & Marketing Group), Intel India.

He said that while Intel was looking at the issue of establishing a manufacturing facility in the country, he did not anticipate any immediate decision.

Speaking to newspersons, he said the company was working with its OEM partners for the launch of the Classmate PC in the form of laptops. (The company brochure describes it as a "mobile learning-assistant educational solution" that Intel developed specially for students in emerging markets.)

It wants to train them and know whether they would be customising any product and would be adding any value to it.

The process that precedes a product launch to familiarise different segments involved to assess their comfort level is now on. The launch would depend on the results obtained during the pilot stage.