Thread: My new netbook, Intel Classmate PC, MiniReview

Is this cheap, like very cheap? Because the Asus offerings IMO are quite a bit better, I think the 8.9" version still runs on 12v! Also that Classmate would deffo be the ugly kid in the corner :S lol

Originally Posted by TheGuv

Is this cheap, like very cheap? Because the Asus offerings IMO are quite a bit better, I think the 8.9" version still runs on 12v! Also that Classmate would deffo be the ugly kid in the corner :S lol

I got it for $250, one of the reasons I got it was that its made tough, my
Compaq v3000z and the EeePC that I have had time to look over and hold
in my hands, I felt like could squeeze real hard with my thumb and fingers
and break them, there just paper thin plastic, the Classmate is made to be
some what drop-proof and has a water-resistant keyboard

I keep hearing ugly, pretty, or sexy when referring to computers
that's most illogical - But I do like how the Classmate looks,
and the design works well when your holding and using it

As far at speed and such, 90% of netbooks have the exact same
chips, there all running Atom CPUs, Intel GMA 950 video, and so
on, the only difference would be a larger hard drive, and extra USB
port, and VGA out

I took out in the sun and even underground in my storm shelter,
outside the wireless worked perfect, in the storm shelter I lost
wireless, but that's to be expected LOL

Here it is with the worst possible glare from the sun


and for the most readable


I went inside and went to the CBS website and watched a little
Star Trek, seamed to be a little jumpy at first for a few
seconds but then played fine even full screen as did Hulu,
so online video is not a problem even on wireless


The only problem is that the sound is a little low, I am guessing
its low to keep kids from disturbing the class, protect there ears,
but even with headphones, and on its highest volume setting, it
just barely hurts my ears, if you have hearing loss or are used
to loud sounds the volume from the speakers and even
headphones may not be enough

I opened up the back - and its got DDR2-667 memory installed



and zoom



The hard drive is a tad funky, never seen a 1.8" one before, its got
a little of rubber padding around the edges

I am going to upgrade the memory later on

Nintendo 64 emulators work well on this

I found a nice Sleeve that fits the classmate perfect the

"Mobile Edge Sumo 12" Black Nylon Laptop Sleeve"

its made for Apple's 12 PowerBook/iBook, so maybe other
sleeves made for non wide-screen 12" laptops would fit

I also got a Cirago BTA-3210 bluetooth adapter and the
Microsoft Bluetooth Laser Mouse 5000, seams to work
well, now I just need to get a Bluetooth GPS adapter

BTW I am using an old Xbox Controller, S series, and a USB dongle
for the emulators, the game pad drivers are freely available on the
net