The latest Classmate PC netbooks and convertible tablets based on Intel’s reference design are starting to appear. CTL is introduding the 2go Classmate PC NL3 this week at CES.
It’s a 10 inch convertible tablet-style netbook with a 1.66 GHz Intel Atom N2600 Cedar Trail dual core processor.
The laptop has a 1366 x 768pixel display which is connected to the base with a swiveling hinge You can twist the screen and fold it down over the keyboard for use in slate mode.
The touch panel is resistive, and while resistive touchscreens get a lot of flak these days, that makes sense since the idea is to allow students to write and draw on the screen with a stylus. An active digitizer and digital pen work even better with Windows tablets, but that kind of solution would cost much more money.
As a Classmate PC, the NL3 is aimed at students and has a ruggedized case design, a scratch-resistant and water-resistant screen, and a spill-resistant keyboard. It also offers long battery life. CTL says it should run for up to 10 hours on a charge.
The 2Go Classmate PC NL3 has 2 USB ports, HDMI and VGA ports, Ethernet, mic and headphone jacks, and an SD card slot. It also has a WiFi, Bluetooth, and optional 3G.
The computer measures 10.6″ x 8.2″ x 1.2″ and weighs 3.5 pounds.
CTL is selling the NL3 for $499 and up.