After 18 months in development with Intel Corp., Computer Technology Link (CTL), a Northwest Portland-based personal computer manufacturer, released its 2go PC to the public this week. The fully functional “netbook” laptop is small (about the size of a paperback), lightweight (about 3 pounds) and made durable for younger users with rugged plastic, a vinyl protection sleeve, carrying handle, spill-proof keyboard and shock-resistant hard drive.

The 2go PC, which is being tested at Buckman elementary school, will sell for $400 – making it affordable for many districts that were previously unable to fund a one-to-one program. Another district in the state of Oregon that is looking into the netbooks is Crook County School District, which is planning to provide its middle school students with mini-laptops districtwide. “Now, all of our middle schools have more traditional laptops,” said Crook County Superintendent Steve Swisher. “But for sustainability, we’re very much looking at these (smaller) machines.”

Pamela Kreutz, a mother of two Buckman third-graders, says her children have enjoyed the netbooks immensely. For her daughter, who has special needs, the laptop has helped level the playing field because keyboarding is easier than handwriting for her. “It really helps bring confidence,” she said. “It brings a commonality of language.”

Her son is also a big fan. “He really doesn’t like to hand-write, but likes to type,” Kreutz said. “I hear, ‘I like to write stories because I can use my computer.’ … He didn’t say that last school year.”

Source : The Portland Tribune, Laptops Make for a Real Class Act