Second Generation Intel Classmate PC Reviewed

2 Classmates - 1 traditional blue and the other a slick charcoal gray.

I have to say I’m partial to the charcoal.

9" and 7" screens are now available

Different strokes for different folks, but that 9″ screen is mighty nice. Too bad the native resolution is the same regardless of which screen you choose.

Upgraded keyboard

New function keys, a right shift key (!!!), and better tactile response; still water resistant.

Windows XP - Woo Hoo (with no mesh networking support)

Mesh networking requires Linux

SD card reader

No longer hidden in the back underneath the handle

Easy to get to, easy to use, and protected under a rubber boot.

My MacBook doesn’t even have one of these.

A view from the back

A new 6-cell battery provides up to 5 hours of battery life.

Easily-removed; a 4-cell battery from the previous generation is still available.

A rectangular touchpad

Much better than the previous gimmicky oval

And a scroll area on the touchpad

You don't realize how much you use the right shift key until it's gone; now it's back!

I like to believe that Intel included this at my request; I think everyone else just realized that a single left shift key is a pain in the behind.

7 inches is still a fine screen size

But 9 inches is way better

9" vs. my MacBook

These guys are really little; my MacBook is fairly diminutive.

7" vs. my MacBook

Sitting on top of my MacBook

The outside form factor of both the 7″ and 9″ models are the same. This would fit quite nicely into a messenger bag, wouldn’t it?

And a side view

Who needs MIDs? Give me a Classmate.

Removing the cover/handle

Just pop the velcro

The PATA hard drive and RAM are easily accessible

Just don’t lose the screws since they aren’t attached to the back plate (Hey, Intel – you gave me back my shift key; can we get the screws attached for easier maintenance?)

This is one little hard drive

Go PATA!