New Business of CTL Corporation Introduces Mini-Notebook for Elementary and Middle School Students
The lightweight, drop-proof computer, also available through
Amazon.com, costs $400 to $500, will run most applications and support
Windows XP or Linux
PORTLAND, Ore.--(Business Wire)--
The backpacks of lots of kids in grades K-8 are soon going to get
heavier (just a little bit). That's because Portland computer
manufacturer, CTL Corporation, today is introducing its new
mini-notebook. The company will sell the notebook through its
integration partners; it also will be available through the Amazon.com
website.
Priced from about $400 to just under $500, the new 2go(TM) PC by
CTL comes with Windows or Linux. The notebook has a full keyboard, 9"
LCD screen, 40GB hard drive, up to 1GB of memory, integrated camera
and Wi-Fi. With this configuration, it is able to run most common
applications and is internet-ready. At just under 3 lbs., it adds
little extra weight to the average backpack. But, featuring sturdy,
drop-proof construction, it will stand up to the toughest everyday
use.
"The 2go(TM) PC is the first such product to be available in the
U.S.," said Erik Stromquist, CTL Corporation's executive vice
president. "We believe it will be very appealing to schools as a tool
that fosters collaboration among students and teachers in the
classroom. Parents will like it because it will make learning exciting
for kids while also providing the controls they want on any computers
their children use."
Several school districts throughout the country were involved in
the test pilot program including Portland Public Schools. "We really
put it to the test and found it more than met the expectations of our
teachers and students," said Michael Scott, third grade teacher at
Buckman Elementary School. "Also, priced as it is, it's an affordable
way to make technology available to all students."
"The collaboration features are particularly exciting," Scott
continued, "This unit has software that enables sharing of work
between students, teachers and parents. It really allows a whole new
level of learning that hasn't been seen in education before."
The 2go(TM) PC is based on the Intel(R) Celeron(R) M processor and
the Intel 915GMS chipset. It has a 9-in. 800 x 480 LCD screen, and a
40GB Seagate hard drive. The notebook features a sturdy plastic case,
two integrated speakers, two USB ports, RJ-45 10/100 LAN ports and
4-cell Lithium Ion batteries with three to four-hour typical usage
time. It is Microsoft Windows XP-available and will run Linux as well.
The computer also features a built-in webcam and memory card reader.
"The benefits of technology in education and students' passion for
technology-based learning are universal," said Lila Ibrahim, general
manager of Intel's Emerging Market Platforms Group which collaborated
with CTL to develop the 2go(TM) PC. "Based on the positive results
from classmate PC pilots conducted in the United States over the past
year, we have received many eager inquiries to provide affordable and
meaningful technology for American youth. We are excited to see
students in the U.S. now have access to CTL's 2go(TM) PC, based on the
design of the second generation Intel-powered classmate PC."
The 2go(TM) PC by CTL business will be headed by John Tucker, a
10-year consumer electronics industry veteran. "We're extremely
excited by the prospects for the mini-notebook business," Tucker said.
"This is a huge, untapped market in the U.S. By our analysis, unit
sales in the industry could reach over one million per month by Q2
2009, and CTL is poised to secure a fair share of that market," Tucker
said. For more information, visit www.2gopc.com.
About CTL
Founded in 1989, the company manufactures CTL-branded desktop
computers, laptops and notebooks, computer monitors and servers as
well as its Nexus brand of plasma and LCD televisions. Headquartered
in Portland, with offices in Seattle and Seoul, Korea, CTL is a
supplier to numerous government agencies in Oregon and Washington, and
to many of the most recognized corporate brands, including Kroger
Company's Fred Meyer chain, and Intel Corporation. CTL's Retronics
division is one of the nation's leading recyclers of technology
components. For more information about CTL, please visit www.ctl.info.
CTL Corporation
John Tucker, 971-327-0141
jtucker@ctlcorp.com
or
Erik Stromquist, 503-644-8541
estromquist@ctlcorp.com
or
Ant Hill Marketing
Bill Trainer, 503-236-3192
billt@anthillmarketing.com
Copyright Business Wire 2008
