CTL's 2go PC Netbook variant gets official, headed for Amazon

Intel's just gotten official about its new Netbook platform (a.k.a. Classmate 2), and CTL has now followed suit with official word on the first Netbook that'll actually be available: the 2go PC. While there's no surprises with the specs, CTL did drop word that the education-minded laptop will be available for sale to the general public from Amazon (though not just yet) with prices ranging from $300 to $500 (as opposed to the firm $400 price tag we heard earlier). Coinciding with the official launch, the folks at Laptop Magazine have also let loose both a brief hands-on and a full review of the device, both of which find the laptop to be an improvement over the original Classmate PC, with its rugged design, long battery life and lightweight chassis in particular earning it high marks. The keyboard, however, is apparently even more cramped than the one on the Eee PC, so anyone outside of the intended kid market will likely want to look elsewhere. Be sure to hit up the appropriate link below for a video of the laptop as well.

Read - CTL Press Release (PDF link)
Read - Laptop Magazine, "Hands-on with CTL's 2go PC"

[Via Eee Site, thanks David]

[Tyler @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:29PM]

functionality aside, its FUGLY

[Flashpoint @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:43PM]

Actually, I don't consider it ugly at all.

Even though it looks like those cheap toy computers with the black&white L.E.D screens, at least it didn't include Vista.

[Fusion @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:30PM]

thats one ugly laptop

[sinai @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:41PM]

@ugly comments:
that's why it's so cheap.

[Flashpoint @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:42PM]

The "race to the bottom" is getting pretty interesting.

By The way, which laptop is at the very bottom?

Is it the 2GB Eee PC or is it the Macbook Air?

[Vesh @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:47PM]

Impressive, the review model had ~4 hrs of battery life on max performance.

Here is the link to the actual review by Laptop Mag:

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/2gopc.aspx

[LiqwidZero @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:49PM]

This'd be good as a word processor at college. And I bet it plays Doom!

[FRZ @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:51PM]

This be good for all of my children toddlers.

[Flashpoint @ Apr 3rd 2008 12:53PM]

FRZ


- do they play Doom?

[Richard @ Apr 3rd 2008 1:00PM]

Worst...Laptop...EVER!
(In Simpsons comic book guy voice)
Then again, no primary school children should be playing Crysis in class unless they're the bad (read:"cool") kids.

[Homeboy @ Apr 3rd 2008 1:00PM]

Too bad sexy isn't included.

[chris @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:01PM]

I'm really impressed with this thing for the price. It doesn't exactly compete in looks with a Mac Book Pro, but for a 10 or 12 year old it's probably a dream come true as a first computer. Very importantly it's the first real commercial attempt to offer an alternative to Microsoft, a variant of a Linux-based operating system, though it still supports Microsoft Windows XP. I you're going to grow a market for an alternative operating system, get your audience while their still young.

[Nathaniel @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:34PM]

Hey Chris, I know you are into green companies so I thought this might be of interest:
While following the 2go PC links I found that CTL, the company in Oregon that builds the 2go PC also owns the green recycling company Retronics and that CTL themelves pursue green production and recycling methods.

http://www.retronics.biz/

Pretty cool!

[chris @ Apr 3rd 2008 3:04PM]

Thanks Nathaniel, this is definitely the way to go. I also found a good company in my local area http://www.greencitizen.com. These guys have a similar offering. When more people use them and more companies get involved I think their prices will come down too.

[James Petersen @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:10PM]

The more of these things the better. I only hope you can remove that massive handle though.

[murray @ Apr 3rd 2008 2:11PM]

I gotta say... the old XP default wallpaper sure is getting tired.

[Nathaniel @ Apr 3rd 2008 5:04PM]

I personally wouldn't be one for myself and I think it IS fugly.

That said, I feel like most people are missing the main point of these things in the rush to condemn them based on price, features and appearance:

1. OS: Linux hitting the mainstream market.
2. Target user: Schoolchildren.
3. Cost: Will drop once production catches up to demand.
4. The company CTL that is making these is green and it's always good to see a green company getting recognition.

[JohnTitor @ Apr 3rd 2008 9:30PM]

why functionality aside?
functional + ugly = fugly too

[Wolfticket @ Apr 4th 2008 1:49AM]

@that's why it's so cheap:
My EEE is perty :P

[Bugster @ Apr 4th 2008 8:53AM]

I can't believe the number of 'ugly' comments. As compared to the generations of cheap black plastic and spray on fake silver laptops, I find this one and even the OLPC kind of refreshing. Except of course for that grandma purse handle, that's got to go.

[M Master P @ Apr 4th 2008 2:27PM]

Finally, a picture that shows what these things were actually meant to do.

http://www.portlandtribune.com/news_graphics/120725456615467800.jpg

[tekdroid @ Apr 5th 2008 2:28AM]

http://www.laptopmag.com/review/laptops/2gopc.aspx
"Our preproduction model came with a slow (3,600-rpm) 30GB hard drive, but CTL informed us that the final version will include a faster (4,200-rpm) 40GB drive, which should also help boost performance.

The battery lasted a respectable 3 hours and 55 minutes with the power scheme set for maximum performance, which means you should experience upwards of 5 hours with the power scheme set for maximum battery life. "
--------
Making assumptions about battery life when you yourself are not using the 4200rpm drive (final) model is simply guessing and IMO, misleading.

That said, the size is perfect. The spill-resistant keyboard should be standard, and water resistance of scroll wheels and so forth are good. I expect a lot more competition at this size in coming years, and god knows why it has taken so long, but prices will drop dramatically.

[gad get @ Apr 7th 2008 2:03AM]

Just because it's cheap, why does that mean it must look cheap?