Intel Powered ClassMate Convertible PC
© 2009 Intel Corporation
What do the PeeWeePC, the CLT 2Go Classmate PC, and the Intel Powered Classmate Convertible PC all have in common? They're the same thing; a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom-powered Windows XP tablet, that is just slightly larger than a typical netbook. Rest assured, this computer is not a 'peewee'. For the first time, you can put into a child's hands a computer that would be the envy of any accountant or graduate student. At the heart of this device is the Intel Atom. Released last spring, the penny-sized CPU was designed to bring desktop power to mobile devices, while just sipping on your battery. For this ClassMate, the resulting 4-6 hours away from an outlet -- plus the touch screen and wireless features -- represent huge classroom potential. We were thrilled by the two USB ports, an SD card slot and rotating webcam, plus stereo sound and presentation-friendly VGA out port. Missing is a disk drive, a large hard drive (you get 16 GB of internal memory). According to Jeff Galinovsky, a Regional Manager for the Intel Classmate team, the computer we tested was originally designed to be purchased in lots of 1000, by schools who want a low price and a say in how they are configured. One such customer was Portugal (the country). For example, you can have Linex pre-installed, required for the mesh computing feature, or individualize a desktop with your school logo and your own software choices. Other software choices include teacher/student file sharing, video streaming and group management functions, as well as a theft deterrent feature which we fortunately didn't need to test. After a week of heavy use, we noticed that websites designed for a larger screen can look miniscule on this computer's 5x7-inch screen. While this is no different than a typical netbook -- and it didn't seem to bother the kids -- it is a constraint that designers will need to keep in mind. And -- no surprise -- children struggled with Windows-related issues; not able to get online right away when switching zones, and needing to recalibrate the touchscreen at times. These were minor issues. Once they figured out they could watch YouTube videos or check their FaceBook page, we couldn't pry this computer -- and all the social connectivity it represents -- out of their hands. Before you run out and buy one for your entire kingdom, try an Acer Aspire One ($250). It has nearly identical features, with the exception of the touch screen. With features like this, you might find yourself asking to borrow your child's computer more frequently. Note that this computer has no relationship with the XO Computer, which is a central part of the One Laptop Per Computer (OLPC) initiative, started at the MIT Media Lab. Intel calls it "one-to-one computing."
$500, Windows or Linux
Teaches: a one-laptop-per-student solution
CTR Rating: 90%