Laptops Arena

The Classmate PC looked like a very interesting technology concept, so I asked Intel if I could have a closer look at one. You know what they say, if you don’t ask you don’t get.Opening the lid reveals a small TFT screen – approximately 7in diagonal. The screen has a widescreen aspect ratio with a native resolution of 800 x 480, very similar to what you’d expect to see in an ultra mobile PC in fact.

TrustedReview made a review of this notebook and here are some of their impressions: Despite its small dimensions, the display is bright, vivid and just as usable as anything I’ve seen in a conventional notebook.The Classmate PC runs Microsoft Windows XP Embedded Version 2002, with Service Pack 2. There’s very little installed other than drivers for the hardware and the basic Windows Accessories applications. Interestingly, the full suite of Windows desktop games were present – it seems that Intel is keen for children in the developing world to play solitaire when they’re bored, just like the rest of us.

In the classroom, the Classmate PC will connect to the teacher’s machine and allow him/her to transmit directly to the desktop of every student. It also means that the teacher can monitor each student’s progress in real time. There are no text books, exercise books, pens or pencils to worry about – all the teacher has to do is place a Classmate PC on each desk before class starts and everyone’s set.

Coupled with Intel’s commitment to WiMAX, the Classmate PC has the potential to make a monumental difference to the lives of children in the developing world. With more children getting a better education, there’s every chance that these developing nations will be able to progress, with each generation managing to achieve more than the last.

OK, I know it sounds idealistic to think that a basic notebook PC can change the world, but if the Classmate PC can change the life of just a single child in the developing world, it’s done its job.

Read the full exclusive review on trustedreviews.