14 DAY TRIAL // The main reason why tablets and convertible tablets aren't more than a niche market is because they have a very narrow range of uses and features, compared with notebooks and desktops. Still, even though their uses are fewer, they can still become quite popular in certain sectors, such as education. Kid Computers seems to have been especially aware of this fact when it conceived and developed the Classmate Tablet PC.
Based on a combination of the Intel NM10 Express Chipset and the 1.66Ghz Atom N450 CPU, the convertible touchscreen tablet is “the perfect anytime/anywhere complimentary computing companion for elementary and middle school students.” It boasts 1GB or 2GB of DDR2 memory, a 160GB SATA hard drive and a 10.1-inch 1024 x 768 color touchscreen. The screen itself can swivel and rotate, allowing for a quick and easy alternation between notebook and slate modes.
The connectivity and I/O options of the device include 10/100M Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, a 1.3-megapixel webcam, a pair of USB ports, an SD card slot, a VGA output and integrated 2-channel audio. As for reliability and endurance, the convertible tablet has a rugged design, with a water-resistant keyboard and a two-button touchpad. Finally, the mobile PC runs on a 4-cell battery and is pre-loaded with Windows XP.
“The Kids Classmate is purpose built to enhance both teaching and learning, the kid friendly Classmate engages students with ‘Real PC’ performance in a durable, transportable, and affordable solution for classrooms around the world and in your community,” the official announcement says. “It is intended to be the first affordable mobile convertible computer that incorporates touch functionality in a 10.1" bi-directional LCD screen in a kid friendly and rugged design.”
The 10-inch Classmate Tablet PC measures 265 x 195 x 30.5~38mm, weighs 1.39 - 1.59 kg, comes with its own stylus pen and carries a price tag of $649.