M&A Technology announced today that it’ll provide the Companion PC with the new Atom processor this summer – a device that’s expected to improve performance as well as battery life.

 

The companion PC is expected to be the device of choice as more schools adopt the 1:1 computing initiative, according to the company. Because of the rugged features that are built into this notebook, the Total Cost of Ownership for the Companion PC is lower than that for other min-notebooks, company officials say. Through its Web site and through distribution channels, M&A will be selling the Companion PC directly, they say.

 

Before the start of the school year, the first shipment of the new Companion PC is expected to arrive in August just in time for implementation, according to the company. The original Companion PC was first introduced during the Texas Computer Education Association’s annual convention, company officials say. This PC was immediately adopted by many schools as the device for the 1:1 computing initiative. By the end of this year, the new Companion PC is expected to reach over 80,000 students.

 

Based on the Intel (News - Alert)-powered classmate PC specifically designed for students K-12, the Companion PC is ruggedized, low-cost and fully functional notebook, officials say. The standard configuration will be priced at $499 which provides features such as Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 60GB hard drive and a 9-inch LCD screen, according to the company. It comes with a built in case and handle that can be personalized and runs Microsoft (News - Alert) Windows operating system, officials say.

 

“Microsoft is thrilled to be working with M&A Technology on this device,” said Megan Both, director of U.S. sales for the Original Equipment Manufacturer Division at Microsoft. “By offering Windows, along with the new Intel Atom processor on the Companion PC, we are able provide a broad range of students access to an affordable, fully functional solution to help them succeed in their education endeavors.”