Cute Lil’ Classmate

No matter what you call them, UMPCs (Ultra Mobile PCs), subnotebooks, or netbooks, they’re child-sized, cute, surprisingly functional, and they’re definitely not just for developing countries. Back in April, I reviewed the ASUS Eee PC 4G, a subnotebook inspired by the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative, but very different from the OLPC XO-1. This month, I checked out the Intel Classmate, a machine that, at first glance, more closely resembles the idiosyncratic XO-1 in feel and footprint, with some key differences. Instead of reinventing the computing landscape OLPC-style—through open-source software and groundbreaking hardware innovations—the Classmate PC taps the availability of existing, mostly Windows-based software. It’s a low-cost machine suitable for the developing world, but built to fit right in to the mainstream digital world.

Like the XO-1, but unlike the Eee PC, the Classmate is built like a tank, complete with a leather, handled cover and ready to take day-to-day backpack beatings. The model I tested has 256 MB of RAM, an Intel Celeron M processor running at 900 MHz, 2 GB of flash memory, plus an expansion slot for additional SD/MMC storage. It has built-in stereo speakers and a microphone, and both 10/100 Ethernet and 802.11 b/g wireless.

Unlike the XO-1, the first-generation Classmate lacks some of the features designed to make computing viable in poor countries such as mesh networking and a flip-out, backlit screen for viewing in full daylight. And no, don’t expect to find a hand-crank option available for powering this little lappie.

In terms of software, though, most North American educators would feel very much at home teaching with the tools included in the Classmate I tested, including a scaled-down version of the Microsoft Office suite. I was more impressed by a couple of additional programs included on the machine that I think deserve individual mention: NoteTaker and e-Learning Class Virtual Classroom.

The NoteTaker hardware plugs into either of the two USB ports, on the right or left of the PC, and consists of a clip that attaches to a standard sheet of paper and a wireless pen. Write with the pen, and the software automatically opens and captures what’s written. It saves notes in image form or as a text file. It worked intuitively and flawlessly, and it’s part of what an Intel spokesman told me was a key concern in the Classmate’s design: ensuring that the computer is unobtrusive in a classroom setting. NoteTaker, along with the Classmate’s low-profile footprint, lets teachers interact face-to-face, even when employing digital tools.

Through the e-Learning Class Virtual Classroom, you can bring any group of Classmate-toting kids together with an e-Learning equipped teacher in a WiFi environment and you’ve got an ad hoc computer lab as capable as any wired desktop lab. Maybe more so. Teachers can use it to monitor and take control of individual Classmate PCs; send streaming, bandwidth-appropriate educational videos; moderate group chats and discussions; black out all displays; create, launch, and grade electronic tests; send messages to individuals or the entire class; or virtually send a student to the head of the class by broadcasting their display and audio output.

Interested in a Classmate PC? Don’t expect to find one at your local big box store. Intel is responsible for the chips and design specs for the product, but local manufacturers produce, customize, ship, and support the computers, creating bundles based on each school system’s needs.

Prices will vary accordingly, so the best I can do here is provide a ballpark unit price: Expect Classmates equipped with a Linux-based OS to cost somewhere around $399 and Windows machines to cost about $469. Still interested? Visit classmatepc.com for full details and slj.com for a video version of this review.

Operating system tested: Windows XP Professional. Also available with various Linux operating systems. Sold in customized, bulk bundles including hardware, software, and support tailored to schools’ needs.