No Need to Stop for Directions; Dell Notebook Computers, Global Positioning System Technology Replace Maps, Gas Stations In Keeping Solar Racers On Course
AUSTIN, Texas--July 17, 2001--Dell --In a cross-country race, where every driving decision counts, students in the Green Mountain Energy Winston Solar Challenge are relying on advanced technologies such as Dell(tm) Inspiron(tm) notebooks, wireless capabilities and a global positioning system (GPS) to help them reach the finish line.
Seven teams of students from across the country and Mexico are participating in the Winston Solar Challenge, an eight-day, 1,400-mile competition, designed to motivate students in the sciences, provide hands-on experience with advanced technology and emphasize the value of alternative energy sources.
"Cutting-edge technology is playing a pivotal role in this year's race," said Dr. Lehman Marks, event director, Winston Solar Challenge. "Students will not only use Dell notebooks to formulate their strategies to reach the checkered flag, they will also have the ability to communicate with family and supporters back home throughout the race."
Today, the student racers will begin driving their solar-powered cars from Dell's campus in Round Rock, Texas, to the finish line in Columbus, Ind., near Indianapolis. Teams from Cameron and San Antonio, Texas, Columbus, Ind., Houston, Miss., Irvine, Calif., Juarez, Mexico, and Spartanburg, S.C., are participating in this year's competition.
Their chase teams are using Dell Inspiron notebooks to fix their location, gauge solar car battery usage, monitor weather patterns, track their competitors and record other important race data that factors into their race strategies. Solar car enthusiasts can also track the progress of each Winston Solar Challenge team in real-time via the Internet at www.wscinfo.org.
The Dell notebooks are the first to enable the students in this internationally recognized race to plan and track their cross-country trip with the help of wireless and GPS technologies.
"The students participating in this program are learning collaboration and teamwork, and are gaining a rich understanding of technology and communication skills -- all of which are critical for success in the workplace of the 21st century," said Bill Rodrigues, Dell's vice president and general manager for education. "At Dell, we are proud to help make it easier for these students to compete in this worthwhile event."
About The Winston School
Based in Dallas, Texas, The Winston School is focused on realizing the extraordinary potential of bright children who learn differently through individualized learning strategies and to prepare graduates for college-level work.
In 1993, The Winston School launched an education program to provide curriculum materials, on-site visits, and workshop opportunities for high schools across the country. The program has taught more than 800 schools in 20 countries about the wonders of science, and demonstrated that high school students can build and race solar cars.
About Dell
Dell Computer Corporation is the world's No. 1 computer systems company and is a premier provider of products and services required for customers to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. The company's revenue for the past four quarters totaled $32.6 billion. Dell ranks No. 48 on the Fortune 500, No. 154 on the Fortune Global 500 and No. 7 on the Fortune Global "most admired" lists of companies. Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained on the World Wide Web at www.dell.com.
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