Unlike all of its ultra-cheap competition, Intel's entry into the starter PC market has a secret weapon: It runs Windows (XP to be exact). Whether you see this as benefit or a hindrance depends on your affinity for Microsoft, your need for broad compatibility, and your fear over how Windows might perform on ultra-low-end equipment. In my tests: Not as bad as you'd expect. It immediately dies on benchmarks, of course, but apps load relatively quickly (including Microsoft Office, preloaded on our test machine) and even full-screen video and Flash vids didn't stutter. Of course, it's still a machine designed for kids in a classroom environment: The ultra-small keyboard won't do grown-ups' hamfists any favors, but for a Windows-centric school environment, it's hard to imagine a more appropriate notebook. (Dig the handle and the rubberized case sleeve and the battery-powered pen that converts scribbles into digital files on the Classmate.) Besides, who'd have expected The Man to be the budget machine on the block?
Review: Intel Classmate PC
Unlike all of its ultra-cheap competition, Intel’s entry into the starter PC market has a secret weapon: It runs Windows (XP to be exact). Whether you see this as benefit or a hindrance depends on your affinity for Microsoft, your need for broad compatibility, and your fear over how Windows might perform on ultra-low-end equipment. […]
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WIRED
Runs Windows XP, allowing for easy app expansion and sharing with the PCs students may already have at home. (And Linux available if you want it.) Very rugged. Solid, responsive keyboard and touchpad. Almost as cute as the OLPC XO. Competitively priced with OLPC and cheaper than the Asus Eee. Exception battery life of 3 hours, 40 minutes.
TIRED
Comparatively loud and hot. Tinny speakers. Not nearly enough storage space (just half a gig available to the user). Why must the screen be so super-tiny?