Intel's convertible Classmate is only the second in a netbook PC series

Intel's second Classmate netbook for kids, introduced at CES, will be followed by more Classmate PCs, not necessarily devised in a "lunchbox" style, said Mark Parker, global launch manager for Intel's Classmates.

In an interview with Betanews, Parker noted that Intel produces the reference design for the Classmate netbooks, which can then be implemented by OEM partners in a variety of ways for use among students in developing nations.

For the first two Classmate models, OEM partner CTL chose a "lunchbox" style with carrying handles.

Dubbed the Convertible Classmate PC, the second Classmate, launched at CES 2009, adds a swiveling touchscreen plus a webcam which students can aim either at themselves for conferencing applications, or at a teacher for recording a lecture, for instance.

"But we have three OEM partners in the US and many others elsewhere," according to the global launch manager.

Palmer said he expects the first and more basic Classmate netbook -- known as the CTL 2goPC -- will be used mostly with children in primary schools, and the new convertible model mainly with students at higher grade levels.

"The swivel [on the convertible PC] might be a bit delicate for younger kids to use," he acknowledged.

Intel's OEM partners are also collaborating with software developers and local school officials to produce custom applications in local languages, according to Parker. "It's really important to get the software right," Betanews was told.

During a demo for Betanews in Intel's booth at CES, Parker pointed to paint and "ABC" applications already created for younger children. There, he showed how kids can use the screen as an e-book reader, viewing text in portrait mode.

He also suggested that older students might use Microsoft's OneNote to synchronize notes taken in class with video recordings of classroom lectures, captured via the convertible's built-in webcam.

Meanwhile, he said, Intel intends to continue to improve on the Classmate's basic reference design. "We'll keep working on getting the performance up and the power requirements down," Parker told Betanews.

Other companies competing in the international classroom market include NComputing and the MIT-spawned One Laptop Per Child (OLPC).

Elsewhere in its large booth in the South Hall at CES, Intel showed off standard netbooks -- unrelated to the Classmate series -- from many different manufacturers. Featured PCs included Sotec's "Hello Kitty" model and a bright yellow model from Sylvania.

"All major [PC] manufacturers are now using [Intel's] Atom processor to produce netbooks," contended another rep in the Intel booth at CES.