Chicago (IL) - MPC Computers introducing an education-specific designed notebook based upon the Intel Classmate PC platform and targeted at back-to-school kids in the U.S.

MPC certainly isn't the first company to undertake an educational computer in this price range – HP, for example, unveiled one back in April. The TXTbook though, unlike the OLPC, is being sold directly to American consumers.

The device, geared towards K-6 school kids, includes Intel’s 1.6 GHz Atom processor, up to five hours of battery life, an 8.9” display, wired and wireless networking, a Web cam, stereo audio and USB support. It is built, according to MPC, in a durable, drop-proof case.

Other features include 1 GB of RAM, a weight of under three pounds and a built-in handle. MPC deems the release of this computer the latest in its own "one-computer-per-child (one-to-one) computer initiative. The company feels the low price point for the TXTbook will allow more parents instead of schools to purchase laptops for children, freeing up educational funds for other needs, such as "mobile technology infrastructure."

At around $500, though, the TXTbook isn’t exactly cheap and means that it will have to compete with much more capable regular notebooks.