Intel Classmate PC Convertible Tablet Doubles as E-Reader
Intel Classmate PC Convertible Tablet Doubles as E-Readerby Scott Ferguson
The Intel Classmate Convertible Tablet
Intel first introduced the Classmate tablet PC in 2009. This is the latest version of the Classmate, which includes the newer Intel Atom N450 chip that runs at 1.66GHz.
Rugged Features
The Classmate offers a number of rugged features designed to help it survive the school day. The new version of the Classmate offers water-resistant display, keyboard and trackpad.
Making the Classmate
The Classmate is more of reference design than an actual physical laptop. Intel and various ODMs and OEMS manufacture the PCs to meet the needs of local students.
The Handle
Here is a close-up view of the handle, which is built into the laptop itself. Intel and its partners have tried to make the Classmate convenient for students to use.
Operating Systems
The Classmate is built to support a number of operating from Microsoft, including Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. It also supports different flavors of Linux depending on the needs of government agencies, school systems and students.
Classmate as E-Reader
With this version of the Classmate, Intel built in new technologies, such as Page Up and Page Down features, that help the tablet double as an e-reader.
Apps for the Classmate
Although Intel has built a large application ecosystem for the Classmate, the chip maker is now working with textbook publishers, such as McGraw-Hill, to create electronic educational material for the Classmate.
Classmate Price
When this version of the Classmate is released in the second quarter of 2010, it’s expected to cost between $350 and $400, depending on the specific features that schools order.
Using the Tablet
Here’s an example of how a writing application works with the tablet design to allow students to take notes with the Classmate.
