At its developer’s forum in Shanghai, besides announcing the launch of a series of devices that are supposed to link smartphones and laptops, Mobile Internet Devices or MIDs, Intel also unveiled an updated version of its low-powered laptop.

This second generation of the Classmate PC comes equipped for wireless Internet access, has a 9-inch LCD screen, six-cell battery, 512MB of memory, 30GB hard disk drive, integrated webcam and it also features a waterproof keyboard. The compatible operating systems are Microsoft’s Windows XP and Linux.

The new Classmate will go on in April for between $300 and $500. Its processor for now is still the Celeron M, but in the near future it is expected to be replaced with a new family of low-power chips, called Intel Atom processors.

Intel places the Classmate PC in the so-called "netbook" category, which is described by key-words such as affordable, portable, small screen. Software and content will be available in more than eight languages.

The Classmate is destined mainly for classroom-learning environment. "Only 5 percent of the world's children today have access to a PC or to the Internet," Andrew Chien, Intel VP and director of Intel Research, said. "We have seen how technology helps teachers create fun learning experiences more efficiently. We have also been touched by children's excitement when they are inspired by technology. The Intel-powered classmate PC is one of the ways we support the IT industry in spreading the benefits of technology in education for children around the world," he added.