Intel Jumps Into the E-Reader Competition

Wired reports: Intel’s Classmate PC has been around for the last three years as a low-cost notebook meant for children to use at school and for learning. Now, Intel is looking to refresh the design with a new, convertible model that can also be used like a tablet.

The convertible Classmate PC can be twisted into a slate, similar in form factor to the Apple iPad, or used as a traditional notebook with a full keyboard.

“This is not the cheapest netbook in the market,” says Jeff Galinovsky, regional manager for the Classmate PC ecosystem. “But if you look at the features like ruggedization, design and the software, it offers great value in the education market.”

The new convertible Classmate PC has an Intel Atom processor, 10.1-inch display, up to 160 GB hard drive including both solid state and disk drive options, up to 8.5 hours of battery life, a resistive touchscreen, and a range of wireless connectivity options including Wi-Fi and WiMax. The device also has a 1.3 megapixel rotating camera and two speaker jacks.

Intel won’t disclose the pricing for the product. It says that will depend on the configuration and the device manufacturer. But there’s no doubt the convertible Classmate PC will carry a premium over the clamshell version that currently sells for $200-$400.

Intel hopes to launch the convertible PC in the second quarter. So far about 2 million Classmate PCs are being used worldwide, says Intel.

The PC feels a little hefty but that seems to be by design. The entire machine is designed to withstand the not-so-delicate handling of a seven-year old. The new Classmate PC is rugged enough to survive a fall from the desktop and has a thick rubber coating that offers a good grip and is spill-proof. The keyboard is also anti-microbial. Even the hard drive includes shock protection.

The convertible style also comes with a pen-like stylus that is chunky and comfortable to use. Along with the touchscreen, there’s handwriting recognition and note-taking software available for the device.

One of the features of the new Classmate PC that Intel’s especially keen to tout is is its e-reading software. The device supports EPUB and PDF formats so you can download books from the library or from Google’s cache of free books. The touchscreen allows you to do the familiar “flick to scroll” gesture, though the experience is not as smooth as it is with a capacitive touchscreen. There are also hardware buttons and software icons for turning pages.

The PC includes an accelerometer so it can switch from portrait to landscape mode automatically.

The reading interface Intel designed also allows you to take notes on the page or save highlights–a feature that will be handy for students.

The retractable handle is another new feature. The idea is to make this device a part of a student’s life, so they can throw it into their backpack or just carry it around in the school.

The Classmate PC also comes with applications in areas such as math, science and art that make the learning process interesting.