Hewlett-Packard said Friday that it has finalized a $68 million deal to provide notebook computers to sixth grade students in the state of Michigan.
As previously reported, the Palo Alto, Calif., company outbid a number of computer makers, including Apple Computer, Dell and Gateway, to land the deal. The agreement covers the next four years and will provide computer access to thousands of public school children throughout the state. Under terms of the agreement, each student will receive an HP nx9010 notebook computer with an Intel processor running at 2.4GHz or faster, a 30GB hard drive, a CD-ROM drive, and a 14-inch color LCD (liquid crystal display) screen. The machines will offer a wireless connection via a Broadcom card and a built-in antenna supporting 802.11b technology.
HP said the program could reach as many as 132,000 students. The actual number of participants will depend on school participation and funding levels. As many as 40,000 students could receive computers during the first year of the contract. In addition, the company will provide teachers with training and curriculum assistance. Students and their instructors will be supplied with Microsoft Office Professional software.