MPC Introduces Ultra Low-Cost Mobile Notebook for Education Market

       TXTbook to drive 1:1 computing solutions in lower K-12 grades



    NAMPA, Idaho, Aug. 18 /EMWNews/ -- MPC Computers today announced the

availability of the TXTbook(TM)

(http://www.mpccorp.com/products/notebooks/txtbook.html) PC, an ultra

affordable mobile notebook computer designed primarily for the K-6

education market. Based on the Intel-powered classmate PC design, TXTbook

represents the latest development in MPC's one-computer-per-child

(one-to-one) computing initiative, a significant step taken in the industry

to introduce an education-specific designed notebook for kids and parents

in the United States. With pricing starting at $499, MPC is taking customer

orders for the TXTbook PC beginning today.



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    Kid-Friendly Form Factor; Real PC Performance



    The TXTbook PC is a mobile computing device designed for the unique

learning needs of elementary school students. Despite its size, TXTbook

delivers all the performance necessary to run real-world applications as

well as connecting to a world of Web-based learning options. The TXTbook

design is based on the latest Intel(R) Atom(TM) Processors (1.6 GHz),

Intel's smallest processor purposely built for small, affordable netbooks

that offers low-power consumption enabling up to 5 hours of battery life.



    TXTbook also features an 8.9-inch display, a highly reliable hard drive

based on the same technology used in popular MP3 players, built-in wired

and wireless networking, a built-in Webcam, 2 Dual-channel stereo audio and

USB peripheral support -- all contained in a durable, drop-proof package.



    "Everything about TXTbook is optimized for kids," said Deborah Herrud,

product marketing manager for MPC Computers. "At less than three pounds,

it's lightweight and easy to carry with a built-in handle. The keyboard is

approximately 70 percent the size of a normal notebook computer and the

footprint is small enough to fit on a child's desk and makes it easy for a

student to see over the top of the display and follow what their teacher is

doing."



    One-to-one 2.0



    As one of the largest computer suppliers to the U.S. education market,

MPC's introduction of TXTbook represents more than just a new product

offering (click here for podcast interview with MPC's product marketing

team). It is, more significantly, another step in the company's one-to-one

(1:1) computing initiative for K-12. To begin with, MPC believes that the

low price point for TXTbook can help shift the cost of computing from

schools to parents, thereby allowing schools to invest more heavily in

mobile technology infrastructure.



    "TXTbook potentially changes the hardware acquisition environment from

'hard' to 'soft' mandates, thereby accelerating the transition from

traditional lab computing to individual student use," noted Kevin Shabow,

MPC's area vice president of sales. "We see a proliferation of

parent-driven, one-to-one computing taking place -- which we refer to as

One-to-One Computing, Version 2.0 (1:1 2.0) -- which will result in a new

phase of wireless implementation and collaborative learning environments."



    "MPC has a long history of improving the experience of learning and

teaching through technology," said Lila Ibrahim, general manager of the

Intel Emerging Markets Platform Group. "The new TXTbook PC, based on the

Intel- powered classmate PC design, is an exciting new platform designed to

meet the needs of today's students and teachers and sets the stage for the

vision of one-to-one 2.0."

    About MPC



    MPC Corporation (Amex: MPZ), a major U.S. PC vendor since 1991,

provides enterprise IT hardware solutions to mid-size businesses,

government agencies and education organizations. With its October 2007

acquisition of Gateway's Professional business, MPC Corporation became the

only top-10 U.S. PC vendor focused exclusively on the $43 billion

Professional PC market. For more information, visit MPC online at

http://www.mpccorp.com.