TAIPEI, June 5, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- The Institute for Information Industry (III), one of the world's leading information technology institutes, ViewSonic, a leading global provider of visual display products, and Newport Digital Technologies (NDT) (OTCBB:IFDG) this week announced the launch of the ViewSonic "LiteBird NetBook," a fully functional and affordable low-cost notebook for North American retail markets and educational markets worldwide.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5112
"We are targeting the over 40 million K - 8th grade students in private and public schools in the U.S. and the tens of millions of all students who are seeking internet access from a high quality internet device at an affordable price," said Elsie Kao, Program Manager for III's International Group. At under three pounds, the LiteBird is smaller and lighter than many personal computing devises providing easy mobility from the classroom to the kitchen table.
"Finally, a student friendly laptop that delivers the performance we need at a jaw dropping price of $299.00," says Glen Warren, Teacher Librarian / Media Specialist at McPherson Magnet School, Orange Unified School District, Orange, California, USA. McPherson Magnet School is a K - 8th grade science, math and technology magnet school and their mission is to integrate all aspects of learning and education by using a thematic teaching approach that focuses on science, mathematics, and technology.
The ViewSonic LiteBird NetBook at $299 is fully loaded with no need to purchase additional software, including:
* Fast, low power consumption 1GHz Via C7-M Processor * 512MB DDR2 RAM * 2GB Solid-State Storage Device (SSD) for increased reliability and reduced susceptibility to shock damage. * Brilliant and sharp 800 X 480 high resolution 7 inch display. * Built-In web camera for photos, videos and video conferencing. * Four-cell battery delivering up to 4.5 hours of operation. * Wireless 802.11b/g WLAN allowing students to access the internet and communicate via email, IM, chat, and VoIP. * Two USB 2.0 ports and One SD slot allows for flexibility with peripheral plug-in features such as additional storage, DVD/CD drives, full size keyboard and mouse. * RJ-45 Ethernet port to support fast CAT-5e 10/100 connection to any network. * RJ-11 Modem port to support dial-up capabilities at up to 56Kbps. * VGA output to support a desktop monitor or projector. * Full scroll/touch pad and mouse buttons for easy navigation. * Headphone output, microphone input and integrated stereo speakers. * Kensington Lock for securing the notebook in public areas. * Open Office.org 2.3 MS Word, MS Excel and MS PowerPoint compatible software. * Educational software package includes Typing, Tux Math, Dictionary, eBook and Painting. * Fully loaded with video codecs including MPEG2, MP3, H.264 to support most multimedia requirements. * Super lightweight at only 2.4 lbs.
Newport Digital Technologies will start distributing the notebook in June of 2008 in North America with initial target of 800,000 units in the retail and educational markets. In the South Pacific NDT will distribute the notebook through III's eLearning projects in the region. III had developed a DLMS (Distributed Learning Management System) which passes SCORM 1.2 Level 3 and 2004 Conformance Test Suites. III has developed and deployed a Learning Content Authoring Tool -- an integrated content editing software which is deployed on III's ADOC project (www.apecdoc.org) for APEC, an eight country eLearning project providing access for up to 30,000 students.
About III
III (http://www.iii-international.com/)
III is one of the world's leading information technology institutes and was established in 1979 -- jointly sponsored by the Taiwan government and prominent enterprises for the purpose of strengthening the development of the information industry in Taiwan.
Since its inception, III has been a source of vision, innovation, technological excellence and a major contributor to Taiwan's development into a significant player in the global ICT arena. III has helped promote full utilization of ICT technologies thereby advancing the establishment of a modern information society in Taiwan.
Now with its more than 1,800 professional and dedicated engineers, of which more than 60% possess PhD or Master's Degrees in Computer Engineering and other associated fields, III plays a crucial and pivotal role in Taiwan's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Industry and is the largest system integration organization in Taiwan.
About Newport Digital Technologies:
NDT is a publicly traded company trading on OTC Bulletin Board, formed in January of 2008 as a wholly owned subsidiary of IFPG. Managed by prominent IT Industry executives and consultants for the purpose of supporting III's International Expansion. NDT is a publicly traded company which is traded under OTC Bulletin Board ticker symbol: (OTCBB:IFDG) www.Newportdt.com
About ViewSonic:
ViewSonic(r) Corporation is a leading global provider of visual display products. ViewSonic develops, markets and supports a broad range of innovative products including LCD monitors, LCD TVs, projectors, digital signage displays and other display products. For further information, please contact ViewSonic Corporation at 800.888.8583 or 909.444.8888; or visit www.ViewSonic.com.
Photo is also available at NewsCom, www.newscom.com, and via AP PhotoExpress.
