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After playing with a prototype of Intel's Convertible Classmate, it more or less confirmed what I had suspected: there are some neat ideas at play, but there's a reason why it's aimed at schools.

it will have a 1.6 GHz Intel Atom N270 processor, a 60 GB hard drive, and Windows XP. The clearest improvements have been made to the 8.9-inch screen's touch interface. We complained last time that: Because the Windows XP Home OS is not meant for tablet use, we had to install a few of our own freeware programs to take full advantage of the touchscreen. Turns out Intel had some pretty interesting plans up their sleeve and now the notebook is preloaded with lots of software that takes advantage of the touchscreen including a program called Vision Objects Pen Input, which turns handwriting into editable text and contains a virtual keyboard. And that is just the start of it. Intel plans to team up with software vendors to preload the laptops with a stack of touch-focused applications.They are also teaming up with content providers, such as McGraw Hill, to package the laptops with learning tools. Beyond the software additions, the accelerometer has really been fine-tuned. Turning the netbook vertically adjusted the screen orientation in under 2 seconds. So sure the Convertible Classmate is meant for children and isn't a netbook that adults will want to carry around, but its implementation of touch technology on a netbook is what we hope to see from the mainstream netbook vendors that plan to bring touch to the smaller screen. A simplified home screen menu (so you don't have to dig through XPs menus), preloading touch-optimized software and a speedy accelerometer are some of the Classmate's solid features that we want to see in adult touch-enabled netbooks.

I won't have mine until Tuesday. Looks like I should add TabletXP.

Detailed review of the Classmate Tablet

Starts at $469!

The NOBi Convertible Netbook PC has a number of new unique features, while maintaining the youth-friendly elements of light weight, ruggedization, water-resistant keyboard, and ergonomic design with carrying handle. These added new features expand usage models and opportunities. Tablet Mode: More flexibility to get more comfortable, move around, Increased mobility for anywhere usage, Simple UI shell and launcher for tablet mode Touch Screen User Input: Allows writing and drawing, Supports resting hands on the screen, Enables enhanced classroom interaction and collaboration Enhanced Software: Easier network connection, Fosters collaboration, HW-optimized apps and easy network management