Intel’s Community Computer
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Following AMD’s PIC, Intel showcased a rugged PC designed for developing countries, that can tolerate harsh climate, intermittent electricity, dust and bugs while accessing the Internet without wires.
Via video from India at the Intel Developer Forum, San Francisco, the Intel-based PC, or “community computer” is meant to provide Internet access to entire communities and villages in rural and remote areas.
The effort is in line with Intel’s strategy to best address unique geographic and individual technology needs in all parts of the world, the company said.
Through use of a car battery, the computer has a back-up energy supply and contains special screens and filters to reduce the amount of dust and insects that might enter the box and cause issues.
The computer has also been designed to handle extreme heat that exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit (more than 38 degrees Celsius).
The demonstration PC linked to the Internet via a WiMAX wireless network. WiMAX, short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a standards-based wireless broadband technology that can provide high-speed Internet connections to homes, communities, businesses and mobile wireless networks across many miles.
Intel neither confirmed if the PC will be developed by local PC makers nor provided any other details.
