The new Intel-powered Classmate PC converts from a clamshell to a tablet mode with a touchscreen. Further, it meet the $300 to $500 pricepoint urged by educators for the past decade. Public school administrators have argued that they would consider buying more such PCs at that price range in order to increase one-on-one classroom learning.
I played with the new classmate at CES 2009. Beginning students will enjoy using it. It’s easy to use. Yet, it has fewer features and operates slower than my HP 2710 as well as other Tablets, midies, and other mobile PCs that come through our home.
Intel demonstrators at their press conference talked about this new design reflecting behavioral research. I’ll share those data when I locate them.
The new Intel Learning Series supports learning with the Classmate. More than 100 software and hardware vendors, content providers, educational service providers, and local OEMs participate in this support.
Regardless of those data, I hope school administrators will make these available to more students, especially for preschool through primary grades. I expect that student academic progress will increase when teachers exploit the Classmate’s strengths.
Note: Intel plans most sales to occur outside of the U.S. Hmm, what’s the deal, U.S. public school educators?