Technology
Written by Alma Anonas-Carpio / Correspondent
Wednesday, 29 July 2009 20:42

THE project that aims to make desktop personal computers (PC) readily available to everybody has entered its second phase. The Nettop ng Bayan (Computer for the Masses) project started by the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) and Intel Corp. now offers “greener,” slimmer and smaller form-factor computers at the same price of P10,800.

While the price point has not changed, almost everything else about these computers for the masses has. Top of the list of changes is that these new desktop PC are powered by the 45-nanometer Intel Atom processor, enabling the creation of a smaller chassis frame to hold the processor and chipset.

Intel Philippines marketing manager Jerome Matti noted that the Atom, “because it requires less power to run and emits less heat, offers a greener and more power-efficient way of computing.” The basic desktop computers also come with 14-inch liquid crystal display screens instead of the large, lead-filled cathode-ray tube monitors. This bundle comes with keyboard and mouse, though proprietary operating system [OS] software will be installed at added cost, or users may opt to use free, open-source Linux OS software.

These new computers are designed for first-time computer users and those who want to get a second computer. The Nettop ng Bayan offers a new category of affordable desktop computers designed for basic computing and Internet applications, such as Web-browsing, instant messaging, social networking, online video viewing, photo viewing, voice over Internet protocol and playing simple online games.

This year the Nettop ng Bayan 2.0 is also part of CICT’s Convergence 2009 road show, which aims to promote the Next Wave Cities within the Philippine Cyber Corridor.

Intel Philippines country manager Ricky Banaag said “the Nettop ng Bayan is an ongoing testament of our commitment to our mission of putting a PC in every Filipino home. This initiative puts the Internet within easy reach to a wider spectrum of the population.”

* Published by BusinessMirror