Andrew Chien - VP, Intel Research - formally announced the second-generation Classmate PC.

The range-heading 'netbook' PC - supporting both Windows XP and Linux variants - is equipped with a either a seven- or nine-inch sunlight-readable LCD screen, wireless 802.11b/g support, 512MiB RAM, 30GB (magnetic) hard drive, and integrated webcam. Buyers will have a choice of going for either a four- or six-cell battery, too.

What's surprising is that Intel hasn't moved on specification much since the first-generation model, and has, rather egregiously, eschewed its very own Atom processor, which appears to be a perfect fit, and opted for the relatively power-inefficient Celeron M.

Chien was quick to point out that future Classmate models will feature the energy-efficient processor, but why not delay it for a month or two and have them equipped with the correct platform, we wonder?

The second-generation Classmate will ship at prices between $300-$500, at the end of the month, we were told.

Find out more here.