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Intel has officially unveiled their next-generation Classmate PC, or what is being called the Netbook. The updated line will feature a 9-inch display, an Intel Celeron M processor, 512MB of RAM, 30GB hard drive, built-in webcam, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and is mesh network capable. The notebooks Netbook will also be able to run either Linux or Windows XP. Similar to the previous generation, these updated models will be a part of the Intel World Ahead Program.

Read [Intel] Via [Engadget]

Yet another ultra-portable notebook is expected to be offering some competition for the likes of the Eee PC and Cloudbook, of course this one has been around and in the works for a while. Originally thought of as a competitor to the XO OLPC laptop, the Classmate PC has similar features to the other more full featured ultra-portables currently on the market and includes a 7-inch 800 x 480 display, an Intel 900MHz Mobile processor, 256 or 512MB of RAM, 1 or 2GB SSD, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and will be running either Linux or Windows XP. The Intel Classmate PC should be hitting both US and European retailers soon. The Classmate PC has been available on the retail markets of India, Mexico and Indonesia, but this is the first time it will be available for sale outside those areas. Intel has done some pilot tests in the US and Australia at select schools. The Classmate PC is expected to retail for around $250 to $350, however there was not any mention of which stores will carry the notebook.

Read [Reuters] Via [Wired]

The Classmate PC has begun to arrive in users hands, currently making its way to Vietnam the OLPC and Eee PC competitor seems to be a pretty nice offering. Being sold under the Hacao name the Classmate PC features a 7-inch (800x480) display, 900MHz processor, 256MB of RAM, 1GB of flash storage, and 802.11b/g Wi-Fi. It weighs just 2.9-pounds and is 9.6-inches x 7.7-inches x 1.7-inches.

The Classmate PC runs a custom version of Linux called Hacao Linux Professional that was based on Puppy Linux. The Hacao Classmate PC has a few options for pricing, student pricing is $250 while it will cost the general public $340, users can also opt to have Windows installed for an additional $38.

Via [SlashGear]