Is The 2go PC the Classmate 2? P.S. A “Netbook” Is A Genre

There is a lot of talk today about CTL’s 2go low-cost laptop. The offical specs of the 2go are being reported. But what is the machine? Last week, when we spoke with Agnes Kwan of Intel she disclosed that Intel would be coming out later this month (or even as soon as this week) with a second iteration of the Classmate. To quote ourselves:

An Intel spokesperson also confirmed that the Classmate is designed by Intel, but PC manufacturers will produce it like other personal computers using Intel chips. Intel also revealed its plans to launch a second generation of the Classmate in the coming weeks. The second generation will provide more choices for manufacturers.

Kwan would not comment on the question of if the rumored “netbook” (or now the 2go) was in fact a Classmate version. However, she did say that a “netbook” is not a specific notebook; it is, however, a genre or a classification. It is a phrase just like low-cost laptop or mobile Internet device. Check out this post on an Intel blog.

So, is the Intel-powered 2go PC a version of the Classmate? It sure looks a lot like the first iteration of the Classmate, is intended for the education market, and seems to follow the guidelines provided by our Intel spokeswoman.

Stay tuned for official news of the Classmate 2 and our hands-on impressions….