CTL's 2go Classmate PC netvertible due in January for under $500

CTL's sticking with the "2go" branding for its next-gen Classmate PC, but it's not hard to spot the difference: it's a convertible tablet. We've seen hands-on shots of the Intel concept a couple times before, but now CTL's starting firm up some details for its own OEM version, and even sent along a few new live shots of the device for our enjoyment. The specs are unsurprising for a netbook-style device (we suppose the proper term is "netvertible" now, yes?) with a 1.6GHz Atom 270 processor, 1GB of RAM, 60GB HDD and 802.11b/g/n WiFi, but the departure is in the tablet functionality. The 8.9-inch, 1024 x 600 screen handles stylus and finger input, swivels flat for slate usage, and has an accelerometer for orienting the screen and potentially other (read: games) usage. The webcam swivels from back to front as well. CTL's hoping to have an XP Pro version of the laptop available, but if Microsoft has its way we'll probably be looking at a Vista Home SKU at retail (CTL's existing Classmate PC sells at Costco and Amazon.com), in addition to a Linux version for more direct sales.

Gallery: CTL's 2go Classmate PC netvertible due in January for under $500

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[MyHeadisFed @ Oct 17th 2008 2:34PM]

I've been waiting for a cheap netvertible. Unfortunately that handle is a little too goofy. If it is detachable/collapsable and available in different colors I'd like it a lot.

[jerkychew @ Oct 18th 2008 9:51AM]

It looks like it's just plastic - Dremel it off! I think the handle might be a nice touch.

[jawnyg @ Oct 17th 2008 2:38PM]

I wish makers of "school" computers would make the handles less beefy, and foldable into the back or something. Would fit better into back packs, etc.

[Lowest Ranked @ Oct 17th 2008 3:10PM]

You and Myheadisfed are a match made in heaven.

[ssrat_ @ Oct 17th 2008 2:43PM]

SO.. Damn.. Close... 8.9" instead of 10"

I still might buy it since it has %99.995 of everything I want, assuming that at least the ram may be upgradable.
I'll end up probably losing the "extra" function of reading comics on it even sideways since they are .jpgs

Still.. has anyone read PDF's on these (at least long wise?) just wondering how bad it is at this size

[thedesolate1 @ Oct 17th 2008 2:50PM]

YES! this is what i have been waiting for..... just I want a similar EEE branded product that doesnt look like a child's toy. With a wacom digitizer and 12 inch touch screen similar to the tx2500 with XP pro. *crosses fingers* hoping the Azeus gods listen. Wimax wouldnt hurt and a gforce 9400m.

[diode3diode @ Oct 17th 2008 6:11PM]

How 'bout the Lenovo x200tablet. The x61t's on the outlet site goes as low as $755.
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/LenovoOutlet/Notebook/New/ThinkPad%20X%20Series/

[diode3diode @ Oct 17th 2008 6:13PM]

Oops, spoke too soon sorry. It's a 'bout a grand. The $755 are for the x61.

[thedesolate1 @ Oct 18th 2008 3:02AM]

None of those are tablet or fall into the low price range and silent operation/ heat dissipation of an atom based notebook. Thanks for the tip though.

[vibhor goyal @ Oct 17th 2008 2:56PM]

looks pretty good... I really liked the camera and the quick launch screen, but what takes me back is that handle and the green color, I hope we will get some mature options.

[ssrat_ @ Oct 17th 2008 3:03PM]

The handle is iffy, the color on the other hand I would just use either one of the skinit designs or the way it is colored just tape it off and spray automotive flat black, sine to MY eyes it looks like it is a "hard" plastic and easy for any paint to stick to and look good

[andy @ Oct 17th 2008 3:17PM]

The 30 dollar XP license is based on specs.

max specs:
screen up to 14"
160GB HDD
1GB RAM

[John D. Tucker @ Oct 17th 2008 3:31PM]

The low cost windows option spec does not allow tablet input.

[Jerod @ Oct 17th 2008 3:47PM]

I love this netvertibles. I can't wait until they are able to push the 2 GHz mark. When that happens I'll have a nice little hackintosh sketch pad. :)

[Stasys @ Oct 17th 2008 4:37PM]

Another stupid thing. This gizmo is called Classmate, but how those classboys and classgirls will use it to read textbooks. Or it is just to play games during lessons?

[MyHeadisFed @ Oct 17th 2008 6:46PM]

Textbooks on a computer is a pain. When I had a tablet I would use it for writing notes directly on powerpoints and pdfs that professors distribute on the internet.

Of course in boring classes it gives you the option to browse the internet and talk to friends who are also bored =P

[john @ Oct 17th 2008 4:55PM]

It looks a little funky, but it looks like a good size and such for me.

Put Ubuntu-Mobile on it, and I might be on board.

[digitallysick @ Oct 17th 2008 4:58PM]

damn it almost 10inch, would of been a nice osx86 netbook

[ssrat_ @ Oct 17th 2008 6:51PM]

The old one had a 6cell option so that should stay, as for the handle, I had a though.. you can buy the cheapest cover since you already have the handle.

[Kai @ Oct 20th 2008 6:47AM]

Is it rugged enough to handle the knocks and bangs that are likely to occur when the device is in the hands of children? If it is, it seems an attractive device (with the handle you wouldn't need to put it in a laptop bag...)