Intel urges retail to focus on education

After boosting its education offering with the launch of the second generation Classmate PC last month, Intel claims retailers are not making the most out of the sector.

The new device is designed and manufactured in conjunction with MSI, and has tailored touchscreen capabilities and applications for children.

Intel claims retail could benefit from a keener awareness of the issues surrounding the education sector.

“Education has been a major driver in home PC usage in recent years,” said Tristan Wilkinson, EMEA director for the public sector at Intel. “From the High Street perspective, I think the real challenge is going to be how do you position the features and benefits of this type of design to a family in a traditional retail environment. We have been talking to a few retailers here in the UK about how they do exactly that – creating education areas, and training the staff to talk to families more.”

The firm is looking to pilot an in- store programme this year, which will showcase what it sees as the huge potential for education hardware sales.