SLJ Reviews the Dell Latitude 2100/Netbook

Though the burgeoning netbook class of computers arguably began with the One Laptop per Child educational initiative, look around and you’ll see just how far the little laptops have come. You’ll find them serving as second computers in urban cyber-cafes and suburban kitchens, tucked in the briefcases and gloveboxes of mobile professionals—even connected to park-based WiFi in retirees’ RVs. While netbooks have definitely caught on with adult users, meeting their personal needs is cake compared to the tall order of satisfying the broad scope of challenges a wide-scale educational deployment presents.

While the Dell Latitude 2100 impresses me as a solid, general purpose netbook with specs typical for its class, the line features some new wrinkles geared specifically toward meeting the tough demands of educational settings. And Dell says they’ll all be put to the test beginning this month when—thanks, in part, to stimulus funds—over 500 American school systems will begin using their new netbooks. What sets the Dell Latitude 2100 apart from the standard netbook pack? Here are a few things I noticed.

Durability: If a netbook’s going to make hundreds of jarring backpack commutes between home and school each year, it’ll have to be plenty tough. The case on this one is rubberized, making it easier to grip and more impact resistant than a typical netbook. The dual Kensington locks on each side of the machine can be used to attach optional handles or shoulder straps.

While the model I tested had an 80-GB mechanical hard drive, schools might want to maximize durability by choosing solid-state storage instead. SSD storage up to 16 GB is available, and there’s an SD card slot, too. Of course, even given its hardy portability, accidents can still happen. Optional service and replacement packages are available.

Lab Ready: While most netbooks provide great one-to-one personal technology, the Latitude 2100 is also ready to return to the classroom or library and team up in both formal computer lab and ad hoc lab situations.

A network-activity light on the rear of the display tells teachers when students are net-connected; optional mobile stations let instructors and IT staff conveniently store, charge, transport, and update multiple devices; and an antimicrobial keyboard is even available to help prevent shared netbooks from sharing germs as well.

School Spirit: Five color choices plus a label window make it easy to identify each device, complete with school mascots, logos, and colors. Rah-rah-rah!

Though it sports the typical netbook form factor and system specs, the school-friendly features, service plans, and mobile lab options distinguish the Dell Latitude 2100 netbook line as a top choice for K–12 schools.