Intel delivering Classmate PC netvertible tablet at CES 2009

The FCC totally blew the cover of Intel's 8.9-inch convertible Classmate PC, but apparently the outfit doesn't even care. In fact, it's so anxious to get the word out that it's already showing off a pre-production rig. Reportedly, the outfit will be teaming up with longtime partner CTL in order to ship its first batch of education-minded netvertibles in January, and no, the traditional Classmate PC won't be going anywhere. The newcomer is said to have an impressively sturdy chassis, and the blue on white motif is much less sickening than the previous greenish / yellow abomination. Additionally, we're told that it'll come packing a 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 CPU, a 60GB HDD and Windows XP. Tap the read link for a nice gallery of shots.

[waiownsyou @ Dec 16th 2008 2:26AM]

Here comes the "It looks like a cheap unibody MacBook" comments

[apples @ Dec 16th 2008 2:44AM]

computers are going backwards

[giuppi @ Dec 16th 2008 2:48AM]

want one!

[Dave Chappelle @ Dec 16th 2008 3:07AM]

WHY?

it looks fugly which is immediately what a young person in class is going to say already you are not going to get many sales. Secondly classrooms with all students having computers (at least in Australia) exist in top end elite private schools were all the kids own a Sony Vaio for class and another top end computer at home which will go nicely with their $15,000+ a year school fees. 60gb HD? most kids Ipods are 60gb what are they going to think? and 1.6Ghz they will all think 'but it's not dual core like everything else'

FAIL/WIN = 4/10

[urandom @ Dec 16th 2008 3:28AM]

since when are computers fashion statements now? This thing looks to be a small, lightweight note-taking machine. Perfect for class. Pretentious dickheads who think this machine is ugly can go suck on something. As long as it's usable (and it looks to be quite so), it can always find it's way in a student's backpack.

[scott @ Dec 16th 2008 3:35AM]

@dave

wtf dude, chill. this thing is aimed at little kids, not high schoolers (and up.) If you seriously hate something this much, then list why instead of ranting about rich people.

[Ed @ Dec 16th 2008 5:11AM]

@Dave...

Mate... English

"elite private schools were all the kids own a Sony Vaio for class"

"where" not "were", and I didn't even go to a private, elite school.

Also, great, a note/net book that wont be stolen and turn up in cash converters, (it's a porn shop chain for the US not knowing what it is).

Rant, but spell check, else you just look like a ranter. Replace r=w, t=k...

Ed

ps, I live in middle class Melbourne, our school is getting there, and the Government has promised every school kid a computer, it may even happen one day. With this, it may be getting closer.

[BOGRASH @ Dec 16th 2008 6:22AM]

@Ed

> (it's a porn shop chain for the US not knowing what it is).

Mate... English. Do you mean pawn shop?

Correct, but spell check, else you just look like a dag. Replace o=a, r=w...

[Oli D @ Dec 16th 2008 2:52AM]

Wow just like the XO except with windows.

[Giroro @ Dec 16th 2008 3:01AM]

I still hate the word 'netvertible'

[AVG @ Dec 16th 2008 3:47AM]

Is there any legitimate reason that these have to be so god damn ugly? I mean seriously... why? And the argument 'IT'S FOR KIDZ!' sucks. That does not mean it has to look terrible.

[Ridgecity @ Dec 16th 2008 4:36AM]

It has to look cheap looking so it won't bother all their business partners. But aren't these kind of irrelevant now with the netbooks? unless they come up with a $199, their $400 price point, was meet (and surpassed) some time ago already.

[icebox @ Dec 16th 2008 4:26AM]

reminds me of magalhaes. portuguese laptop for all children at school.
intel partnership with a portuguese company.

[oinquer @ Dec 17th 2008 5:16AM]

its the same Classmate I or II with a Magalhaes sticker.....except its being ASSEMBLED in Portugal....

[Mobius_1 @ Dec 16th 2008 6:23AM]

Those specs are pretty similar to my proper Dell Latitude from a couple of years ago... (As in clock speed, HDD, OS)

Damn tech is still advancing like teh financiapocalypse.

[johnl @ Dec 16th 2008 6:40AM]

I Like the beige body and dark brown keys... Looks like my Vic 20 !

[mitchell_pgh @ Dec 16th 2008 9:26AM]

Put OSx86 on it and I'm there!

But seriously, there are many people salivating for such systems. While traveling, I'm not very interested in hauling my $2000+ laptop around, but give me a $300+ option, and I'm there. My iPhone has nearly replaced my laptop, but I still need a real keyboard for any real communications.

[htd @ Dec 16th 2008 9:34AM]

most fugly version of the netbook I've ever seen

[avirji @ Dec 16th 2008 10:24AM]

ArtRage: for the budget graphic artist

[David @ Dec 16th 2008 10:38AM]

That was the first thing I noticed! I posted a mention of it over in the AR forums.

D.

[Joshua Walters @ Dec 16th 2008 11:43AM]

I want something like this, but not as childish looking.

[Thorny @ Dec 16th 2008 12:51PM]

I don't care for the styling either.
The Gigabyte M912M net-tablet looks better. (Disclaimer.. I own an M912M)

But these net tablets need the Panasonic toughbook treatment and an shock proof SSD if they are going to stand a chance in the American public school system.

[Ben @ Dec 23rd 2008 2:44PM]

The classmate line is already quite rugged. Classmates were put into use in eight American classrooms in 2007 and have held up quite well (drops and all). If you check the specs, you will see that much of the weight comes from childproofing...

[jakjak9210 @ Dec 16th 2008 5:53PM]

i actually really like the styling of it, just without the handle.

i may just buy one if they become commercially available, and the handle is easy to remove.

[Attila @ Dec 17th 2008 2:30AM]

I wouldn't call it sexy, but it's damned close to what I really need for everyday use.