Intel has revisited last year's Classmate 2 convertible netbook and upgraded it to this year's Pinetrail platform, but some niggles remain

I criticised several aspects of Intel's Classmate 2 netbook when I looked at an early version in April 2009. The new model deals with many of my complaints, though the basic system has not changed.

If you missed it, Classmate 2 is a rugged convertible aimed at the schools market, particularly children aged 5-11. In normal use, it's a conventional Atom-powered netbook, but you can also swivel the screen around – handy for some classroom uses – and fold it over the keyboard, to form a tablet computer. You can then use a stylus to make notes, with the option of converting your handwriting into text.

The latest Classmate 2 (PDF) has had its 1.6GHz Intel Atom N270 processor upgraded to a 1.66GHz N450, the Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics have been slightly improved to GMA3150, and the 60GB hard drive has expanded to 150GB. The 8.9in screen has grown to 10.1in, and the old Microsoft Windows XP has been replaced by Windows 7 Starter. All of these are worthwhile improvements to what is not, after all, intended to be a cutting-edge system.

However, the screen still offers the same limited resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels, and the keyboard remains a little unpleasant for adult touch-typing, though it's now spill-resistant. The main memory (shared with the integrated graphics) has stuck at 1GB, though there's an empty slot so it can easily be expanded to 2GB.

Netbook-watchers will recognise the specification as the Intel Pinetrail platform used in many of this year's netbooks, such as the Asus Eee 1005PE.

The new Classmate 2 scores 2.3 on the Windows Experience Index, the same as the Asus 1005PE – which you'd expect, because they have the same processor. In other respects, the Classmate 2 is fractionally quicker, except for the 1005PE's better 250GB hard drive. But while you can measure the difference, it's not so large that any user could tell.

The system is available with either a 4-cell battery lasting up to 4.8 hours or a 6-cell battery claimed to last 8.5 hours. As well as having two USB ports, an SD slot, Ethernet and other ports, the new model optionally supports WiMax networking, 3G and GPS.

Another benefit for schools is the provision of a simple Blue Dolphin front end with a bundle of preloaded educational software. When you turn the Classmate 2 on, it tries to connect to your teacher's PC, so that you can receive assignments and hand them in (via a button that says Hand In). Programs such as Smart Notebook SE, MyScript Stylus and MyScript Studio look suitable for classroom use. There's also webcam and parental control software. However, the bundle includes some trialware that you would need to remove, and configuring Blue Dolphin for a specific school would take quite some time. You'd want Intel Education Administrator or a similar program to configure 30 or more.

The new Classmate 2 is bulky and somewhat heavy (1.52kg or 1.74kg) in comparison to consumer-oriented designs such as the Asus Seashell and Acer Aspire. It doesn't look anything like as stylish as a Seashell or the silver Toshiba NB305. But it should be more likely to survive rough handling, or even being dropped.

Classmate netbooks are developed and sold by manufacturers in many different countries. Previous versions have been sold in the UK by CMS under the Fizzbook Spin brand name, and the latest model will be distributed by Steljes in the UK and Ireland. It has been pilot tested at St Matthew Academy, Blackheath, London.

Pros: Rugged design and construction; converts to tablet; stylus-operated touch screen; Blue Dolphin front end; Windows 7 Starter.
Cons: Limited screen depth (600 pixels); keyboard; weight.
Classmatepc.com