Remember the Classmate PC? Intel’s rugged, low-cost laptop geared for education that helped turn basic, low-powered notebooks into what we now know as netbooks? Intel has just announced that they’ll be coming out with an update: a new Classmate PC tablet with a bigger 10-inch touchscreen.

It’ll still run on an Atom processor and should still focus on being low-powered yet rugged enough to last more than an hour with a child; it’ll be built with a water-resistant keyboard and a shock-resistant shell. Exactly what kind of Atom chip will be used hasn’t been announced, although they did say that it’ll come with Wi-fi connectivity plus optional GPS, 3G, and WiMAX connections. A new swiveling camera will also be integrated into the frame, plus a six-cell battery pack that’s listed to run for up to 8.5 hours.

They didn’t say when the new Classmate PC will be available, but if it does come out, this could be the product that pushes affordable tablets into the mainstream.

Tags: Classmate PC, Intel, Netbooks, Rugged, Tablet PCs

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