Philippine PC manufacturer Neo and multinational computer processor maker Intel have jointly launched a new 16,999-peso (406-dollar) mini laptop, spokesmen said Saturday.

The Neo Explore is a "ruggedized and shock-proof" laptop with a keyboard that will not be damaged by spillages of liquids, said Neo spokeswoman Mariel Que.

It weighs 0.66 kilograms (1.45 pounds) and is the size of a schoolchild's lunchbox but will have the memory capacity and usual features of a standard basic laptop.

Though the Explore is primarily designed for primary school children here, it can also be used by first-time PC users for word-processing and Internet access, said Intel Philippines country manager Ricky Banaag.

It will be available in stores in major Philippine cities.

Source- http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080329/tc_afp/philippinestechnologycomputer;_ylt=AoLZSpKucyFaZQdSBtwgen8jtBAF