Intel is introducing a low-cost integrated desktop board for developing nations, or "sub-entry PC markets".
Intel senior VP and digital enterprise GM Tom Kilroy referred to the project to reach the "next billion" computer users in his keynote address at this year's Intel Developer Forum, in Beijing, China.
Code-named "Little Valley", the project is expected to spur the development of PCs that will retail for below $300. To be known as the Intel Desktop Board D201GLY, the solution will be available worldwide from next month, said Kilroy.
Intel hopes "Little Valley", described as a low-cost yet powerful solution, will help it capture a marketplace that is rapidly growing from a small, niche segment into a worldwide market with significant demand. Intel believes it will help PC manufacturers take advantage of rising demand in emerging markets, as well as the price-sensitive education, basic computing and connectivity PC market segments.
The 17cm-square motherboard contains a Celeron 215 processor and requires less than 27W of power. Intel says this provides a saving of over 50W when compared to competing solutions. This is a valuable feature in parts of the world where power comes from generators and other stand-ins for a reliable national power-grid.
The combination of small form factor, low power requirements and quiet operation makes the board ideal for home or classroom use, Intel claims. Integrated audio and 10/100Mbps LAN controllers enable Internet connectivity such as e-mail, VOIP, Web browsing and instant messaging.
"Intel has taken an innovative approach to pushing down the price of a full-featured, attractive PC solution for the sub-entry market," says Christopher Tobias, director of marketing for the Intel Channel Desktop Platforms Group. "We see huge potential for this solution in the basic computing, education and emerging market segments."
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