Intel Officially Introduces 7-Inch "Studybook" Tablet

On Tuesday Intel officially introduced the Studybook tablet, a new addition to its Intel Learning Series. It features specialized, classroom-ready applications and a rugged design to withstand rough adolescent handling. The company has also added Teacher PC criteria for Ultrabook and Notebook systems for a seamless e-learning classroom experience.

Under the hood, the new kid-friendly tablet is powered by Intel's Atom Z650 processor. It also has a 7-inch capacitive multi-touch screen with a default resolution of 1024 x 600 (16:9), an optional 0.3MP front-facing camera, an optional 2.0MP rear-facing camera, integrated audio, and either Windows 7 or Android 3.x "Honeycomb" environments.

Also on the spec list is 1 GB of DDR2 RAM, between 4 GB and 32 GB of internal storage, depending on your budget, an accelerometer and an optional light sensor. Slots include one USB port, one microSD card slot, one opening for a 3G card, audio out, optional HDMI output and more. Connectivity includes 802.11 b/g/n, optional 3G and optional Bluetooth. Security consists of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM)-based Intel Learning Series theft deterrent solution.

"The rugged tablet reference design is constructed from a single piece of plastic and includes shock-absorbers around the screen," Intel said on Tuesday. "It is designed to withstand accidental drops from a standard student desk and is also water- and dust- resistant. Young students, often owners of slippery fingers can learn and have fun in and out of the classroom with reduced stress for parents and teachers concerned about damage."

Educational software pre-installed on the Studybook includes classroom management, LabCam applications that support scientific inquiry, and an optimized e-reader. There's also collaboration software providing a student-friendly interface so that both teachers and students can collaborate within the classroom electronically.

"An Intel studybook offers students limitless opportunities to enhance their learning experience," said Kapil Wadhera, general manager of Intel’s Education Market Platform Group. "Expanding the Intel Learning Series portfolio of affordable, purpose-built educational devices brings us closer to our vision of enabling more students and teachers to participate in high quality education."

Currently, more than 7 million students worldwide are using Intel classmate PCs. However the hardware and software elements of an Intel Studybook have been piloted in more than 2,000 classrooms in 36 countries. Its infrastructure is tailored to individual geographies in terms of content, cultural relevance, and language, Intel said.

Parties interested in purchasing Intel's Learning Series products for a classroom or home schooling can head here for providers.