Intel Classmate tablet coming to CTL early 2009
updated 02:30 pm EDT, Fri October 17, 2008
Classmate Tablet for CTL
Intel's Classmate tablet convertible will make the transition to an individually available model through CTL, the third-party PC builder tells Engadget today. Much like its earlier effort with the non-touch Classmate, CTL will create a 2go PC version tailored more to the average home users than the students which make up the normal audience; the company is likely to use Windows XP or (if necessary) Vista in stores rather than the Linux used on some models and in direct online sales.
The adapted version should stand as a lower-cost alternative to the GigaByte M912 and will carry a 1.6GHz Atom, 1GB of memory, and a 60GB hard drive with networking over 802.11n Wi-Fi. Suiting its student focus, the 8.9-inch display will be rare among tablets in supporting finger input and having a built-in accelerometer to auto-rotate the display rather than using a button.
CTL hopes to have its version shipping in January and hopes to get the cost below $500, making it competitive both with GigaByte's offering and some high-end netbooks.
