Asus programme touts Eee PC for the classroom

Lighthouse scheme aims to get schools talking

Asus has launched a programme dubbed Lighthouse, aimed at getting schools talking about its new nine-inch Eee PC 900 notebook.

At a recent roadshow for the education sector, retail account manager Wendy Wood told the audience schools who participate in the programme could adopt ultramobile technology and share their deployment experiences with the wider industry.

“The philosophy is to get schools more aware of the Asus brand. The product is so ideal for the school environment, we want to help them make the investment.”

Asus will give schools $10 back for each Eee PC 900 bought, with a minimum purchase of 30 units. The company will also use its industry networks to get reduced-price software for schools, along with giving assistance with infrastructure issues and professional development.

Wood says there will be opportunities for schools to promote their use of ultramobile technology. “Everyone’s competing for the education dollar, so this will get more good publicity,” she says.

In return, Asus will evaluate schools to see if they’re improving in the use of the technology and that staff are upskilling.

The roadshows were held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, which also included a Windows Live demonstration by Microsoft.