Neo unveils first netbook for kids

To take advantage of the growing demand for laptops, a local computer manufacturer taps the children market with the introduction of “eXplore X1” mobile computer.

NEO Manufacturing and Services “netbook” for kids, eXplore X1, is designed to provide actual gadget for computing to introduce the children to the mobile technology, said NEO manufacturing area sales manager Ernel Rae Esplanada.

The eXplore X1, pegged at a standard retail price of P16,999, is the first Internet-centric netbook designed for children or students, specifically first-time computer users.

Although it is primarily designed for first time users of mobile computer, Esplanada said the adult market can also make use of this gadget as secondary mobile device.

The entry of this unit will give Filipinos the opportunity to take advantage of the mobile technology, not only for the affluent market but also to the mainstream market as it is priced affordably that is comparable to the price of a cellular phone.

The demand for mobile PCs is seen to go up further, not only among the professional consumer group, but also in the children and student segments.

Already available for commercial consumption, Neo is partnering with retail distributors in Cebu, like Thinking Tools, and MDR Microware Sales, Inc.

This gadget has been available in these retail distributors since March of this year. Thinking Tools for instance already disposed more than 10 units of this Neo netbook.

 Assembled in the Philippines, using components imported from China, Esplanada said Neo’s line of mobile PC products is as good as the competing foreign brands.

The eXplore X1 carries a 30 gigabyte memory, with Intel Mobile Processor 900 Mhz, bundled with genuine Windows XP (starter edition).

While this new mobile PC is designed for starters, Esplanada warned it is largely for content consumption, not for content creation.

Since it is designed for hyper-active children market, the mobile PC is sturdy and can withstand liquid spills, and other untoward incidents.

Aside from this newest mobile gadget for kids, Neo also has a series of mobile PCs or laptops designed for different market segments, with prices ranging pricing up to P60,000.

The aggressive move of Neo in manufacturing global quality mobile PCs, is meant to address the low penetration rate of Filipinos using or owning mobile notebooks.

Based on IDC report, the PC penetration in the Philippines is only four percent. About 20 percent to 30 percent of which are desktop, the rest are shared by server and notebooks.

Elvi G. Suficiencia, executive vice-president of MDR Microware Sales, Inc., said NEO computers are bundled with the same software and hardware offered by other brands.