Intel has larger ambitions for its Classmate PC, an inexpensive notebook initially intended for schoolchildren in poor countries. New versions of the low-cost machines will be introduced in a couple of weeks and sold in the United States and Europe.

Intel, it seems, is responding to rising competition in the market for notebook machines priced at $400 and less. But the move is also a step in Intel's strategy to reach new markets, in emerging and developed nations, beyond the 1 billion people now using personal computers connected to the Internet. It also hopes to convince more current users to buy more than one machine.