Will the Classmate PC with Atom be better?

CNET Taiwan staff | Jun 04, 2008

In the Intel showroom where the new Atom processor was on display, an Ultra-Mobile PC (UMPC) caught our attention. Nope, it's neither the popular Eee PC by ASUS, nor the Acer Aspire One or MSI Wind, but an OEM laptop by ECS named Classmate PC.

Most budget laptops seemed to follow Eee PC's rectangular design, which only makes the Classmate PC more eye-catching. It not only stands out with its curved, rounded edges, the leather handle makes it one of a kind in the UMPC arena.

ECS told us the leather is fixed onto the laptop using nylon velcro, and there are different shades to choose from so kids can interchange them. The Classmate PC is also shockproof to meet the rough handling that children may deliver to the machine.

Like the Eee PC, the Classmate PS is on the market already. On display is the latest unit utilizing the Atom processor, and somehow with that little Intel label on it, the UMPC looks more expensive.

The laptop is powered by either a four- or six-cell battery, and these give 4.5 hours and 6.5 hours of operating time, respectively. Both juice packs are flush into the back of the laptop, giving it a sleeker, cleaner look.

Like most UMPCs, the Classmate PC is available in either the Windows or Linux operating system. But ECS told us that what sets its laptop apart from the rest of the players is the pre-installed educational software that can aid students in their learning. Teachers can also make use of these programs to liven up their lessons.

As ECS is only the Taiwan manufacturer, Classmate PC in different countries may go by other names. The machines equipped with the Atom processor is scheduled to launch next month in Taiwan and its pricing will range from US$300-$350.

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