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An affordable laptop from Intel, Asustek

Intel Corp. has detailed plans to team up with Asustek Computer Inc., the world's largest maker of computer motherboards, to make a notebook PC that would cost as little as $200 and be aimed at mass markets in developing countries.

Recently, Intel had launched its Classmates initiative, which aimed at shipping a modest 1,230 low-cost PCs to governments in Asia this year, mostly in trial arrangements. As a step further, Intel is planning to team up with Asustek Computer Inc., the world's largest maker of computer motherboards, to make a notebook PC that would cost as little as $200 and be aimed at mass markets in developing countries.

Unlike Intel's previous efforts, which targeted mostly governments as clients, the Asustek models would target mass consumers through conventional channels, Asustek global marketing director Sunny Han said.

The Asustek initiative comes after the One Laptop Per Child Foundation (OLPC) said last month it expected to start delivering millions of low-cost notebooks in October to shape PC industry growth in developing countries. Sean Maloney, head of Intel worldwide sales and marketing said the laptop would use a lower-end microprocessor as the brains of the notebook, but declined to give details.

Asustek plans to start shipping the units, which have smaller screens than traditional laptops, in July or August, with a target of selling 200,000 units this year, all under the Asustek brand.

[ via Reuters ]