Intel's convertible Classmate PC official

At the CES show on Friday, Intel officially released its second-generation Classmate PC, which is the first low-cost educational notebook to use a convertibe tablet design with a touchscreen. The 8.9-inch notebook will use a 1.6GHz Atom processor and be manufactured by local computer makers in the various countries it will be sold in. At the same time, the company announced the Intel Learning Series initiative that combines hardware, software and services designed for education, supporting companies that build products to enhance children’s learning experiences.

Other specs of the tablet Classmate PC include 1GB of RAM, a Wi-Fi module, four-cell battery and Windows XP Home. A built-in accelerometer will change the orientation of the screen between landscape and portrait views. Students will be able to write with their palms resting on the touchscreen with an included stylus or type via a virtual keyboard in addition to navigating programs with their fingers. A water-resistant keyboard and shockproof design help the notebook withstand the rigors involved with a child’s treatment.

Manufacturers from various countries involved with Intel in the Classroom PC will sell the existing clamshell Classmate PC alongside the new tablet. While pricing information has not been released, it is expected to be in the $400 range.