Intel Corp. at Intel Developer Forum last week demonstrated a personal computer designed for developing countries. The PC is designed so protect its components against harsh climate and also sustain low power consumption so to be able to operate on a car battery.

“The effort is an example of the company's strategy to best address unique geographic and individual technology needs in all parts of the world,” Intel said in a statement.

Intel-based “community computer”, is meant to provide Internet access to entire communities and villages in rural and remote areas. Through use of a car battery, the computer has a back-up energy supply in case electricity supply is sporadic and contains special screens and filters to reduce the amount of dust and insects that might enter the box and cause reliability issues. The computer has also been designed to handle heat that exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit (more than 38 degrees Celsius).

William M. Siu, vice president and general manager, Channel Platforms Group, demonstrates the Community PC at IDF Fall 2005

Intel did not disclose which processor was used in its “community computer”, but it is highly-likely that it were not the Intel Pentium 4 or Intel Pentium D processors, which are known for substantial energy consumption.

The demonstration PC also linked to the Internet via a WiMAX wireless network, a wireless broadband technology that can provide high-speed Internet connections to homes, communities, businesses and mobile wireless networks across many miles, making it an ideal way to unwire entire communities and cities.

Intel neither confirmed if or when the concept platform might be developed by local PC makers, nor provided any other details.