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Having already successfully targeted pennywise tech consumers with its line of Inspiron Mini Netbooks, computer giant Dell is now looking to broaden the reach of its diminutive systems by offering up a specifically designed platform developed for the education sector.
Dell looks to slide its Netbooks into schools. Image: Dell.
More pointedly, a report in the Washington Post suggests that the new Dell Latitude 2100, which sports kid-proof construction and budget-friendly pricing, is being targeted directly at schools.
Offered up as the perfect classroom tool for kids ranging from kindergarten through to eighth grade, the Inspiron 2100 comes in a variety of colours and has a rubberised outer casing to protect it from the kind of absent-minded abuse kids will likely throw its way. It also has a convenient plastic naming strip along its spine that allows for instant personalisation and device recognition.
WP also describes the inclusion of a special “network activity” light on the Netbook’s lid, which will be visible to teachers when the computer is open and will flash on if the pupil facing the screen decides to wander online during class.
Other related applications for the light could also see it adapted to display specific colours and flashing patterns that would notify teachers as to exactly what their pupils were doing beyond work at any given time.
Available with either a traditional LCD display or an optional one-point touchscreen (both with 1024 x 576 resolution), the Inspiron 2100 will also come with an optional virus-preventing anti-microbial keyboard, physical dimensions of 10.4 x 7.3 x 5.7 inches, and a modest weight of 2.9lbs.
Child-resistant features and teacher warning systems aside, the Latitude 2100 is a distinctly underwhelming Netbook at its heart, thanks to Intel’s basic Atom N270 processor, only 512MBs of RAM, a paltry 16GBs of solid-state drive storage and choices of Windows XP or Ubuntu Linux. Amazingly, Windows Vista Home Basic is also offered, which would be an unwise selection given the computer’s lowly specifications.
Other optional additions that help round out the package – which is difficult to accomplish considering the $369 USD starting price – include an onboard Web camera, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and also an external optical drive.
Parents looking to equip their little Einsteins with a robust Netbook would perhaps be well advised to opt for a more mainstream device that will deliver so much more bang for their bucks. And, in order to create a modicum of mobile protection, those same parents should consider shrouding that purchase in fresh bubble wrap before junior heads off for school each morning.
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