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It only makes sense that soon after Intel releases the new Atom CPUs that it would at least show off the next generation of it’s netbook, the Classmate PC. The Classmate is a netbook targeted at young children, Intel’s version of the OLPC XO. We don’t know much about the new version of the netbook, aside from the fact that it exists, but here is what we do know.
The most interesting part of the Classmate PC is that it will be a tablet with a 10.1-inch rotating touchscreen (up from 8.9-inches) as well as a swiveling webcam. The touchscreen is resistive as of now, but perhaps that could change by the April release date. It comes with an ebook reader application for reading PDF and ePUB files, which is nice. There’s no word on what version of the Atom it will use, though Pine Trail would make sense. It will have Wi-Fi and an optional GPS sensor, WiMAX and 3G connectivity. With the new six-cell battery the new Classmate PC will be able to run for 8.5 hours.
Intel is saying we’ll see the new Classmate PC in April from OEMs. That might be the worst time to release a new netbook to some people with the iPad release presumably coming at the end of March. Although, this is aimed at children, and a netbook like the Classmate PC would make more sense to give a kid who might bang it up a bit, or accidentally drop it on occasion. As long as the touchscreen is at least responsive it might just be a better alternative to the iPad for the young and/or clumsy who might also need a physical keyboard and a webcam. Multitasking is always nice as well.
Read [Electronista] and [Engadget]
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