Hardware

First Look: 2Go Classmate PC laptop

By · August 28, 2008, 4:02 AM PST · markwkaelin

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  • Not a slave to fashion

    TechRepublic has been examining ultraportable PCs throughout this year and the 2GoPC is the latest one. This Classmate PC laptop, manufactured by Intel and marketed by the folks at 2GoPC, is an ultraportable with a twist -- it is designed for the children market. It is much more rugged than the ASUS EEE, runs Windows XP, and costs about $100 less.

    We have plans for our poor little 2GoPC -- I'll be giving a full review for the Geek Gift Guide 2008, and I'll be Cracking It Open to see what parts are inside.

  • Ports left

    On the left hand side is a USB port and connections for headphones and a microphone.

  • Ports right

    On the right side is another USB port (2.0), an Ethernet port, and a slot for reading SD memory cards. The power connection is also here.

  • Rugged

    The 2GoPC is much more rugged than the ASUS EEE and should last a long time with normal use -- even by a child in the preteen years.

  • Good to go

    The handy handle eliminates the need for an additional bag -- less stuff for a child to leave on the bus.

  • Windows XP

    Unlike the ASUS EEE, the 2GoPC runs Windows XP. It is notable that the 2GoPC costs about $100 less than the ASUS which runs Linux.

  • Keyboard

    The keyboard is smaller than a standard keyboard, but significantly larger then the chicklet sized keys on the ASUS. In addition, the 2GoPC keyboard feels much more substantial. This laptop is built to take some punishment.

    Bill Detwiler and I have been testing the unit with family members in the appropriate age group. My 12 year-old niece loved it as a chatting platform. However, she did want to know if it was available in another color besides brown.

    I'll put together a full review later and of course Crack It Open.

Not a slave to fashion

TechRepublic has been examining ultraportable PCs throughout this year and the 2GoPC is the latest one. This Classmate PC laptop, manufactured by Intel and marketed by the folks at 2GoPC, is an ultraportable with a twist -- it is designed for the children market. It is much more rugged than the ASUS EEE, runs Windows XP, and costs about $100 less.

We have plans for our poor little 2GoPC -- I'll be giving a full review for the Geek Gift Guide 2008, and I'll be Cracking It Open to see what parts are inside.
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By Mark Kaelin

Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the IT industry, gadgets, finance, accounting, and tech-life for more than 25 years. Most recently, he has been a regular contributor to BreakingModern.com, aNewDomain.net, and TechRepublic.

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