CTL has updated its kid-friendly netbook with the next-generation clamshell 2go PC, otherwise known as the 2go E10. This 10.1-inch netbook preserves the successful features of previous iterations while stepping up the performance and enhancing the keyboard design. It’s not the most attractive netbook on the market, but the 2go E10 is a smart choice for parents who want a long-lasting PC for their kids.
Design
Though it lacks the cutesy designs or logos of such systems as the Disney Netpal by ASUS or the Dell Inspiron Mini Nickelodeon Edition, it’s clear that the 2go E10 is made for elementary school children. CTL dropped the two-toned grey/white chassis and black keyboard for a more uniform white exterior with orange accents. While unmistakably kid-friendly, the overall look is a bit more sophisticated than the competition. The vinyl cover is still grey (you can also purchase a special-order blue cover), but we appreciated the aesthetic simplicity.
As with the CTL 2go released last year, the 2go E10’s case is rubberized and durable, and comes with a vinyl cover attached to the case by Velcro. The system can withstand moderate drops, spills, and demanding everyday use, which will give parents peace of mind. At 3.5 pounds and measuring 10.0 x 8.0 x 1.5 inches, the 2go E10 is a bit heavier and larger than the typical netbook, but the removable rubber and plastic handle makes carrying the PC easy—even for those with small hands.
While the Dell Latitude 2100—another netbook designed for the education market—also has a rubberized exterior (and comes in a wider variety of colors) its large battery makes it look chunkier when closed, even though both systems are about the same size and weight. Under the lid the Latitude 2100 resembles other Dell netbooks—only the outside hints that it’s made to take more of a beating than the average machine—but the 2go E10 says Made For Kids inside and out.
Kid-Friendly Software
The 2go E10 includes Intel’s Blue Dolphin Quick Launcher user interface. This kid-friendly overlay replaces the Windows XP desktop (but not the taskbar), and organizes Windows utilities and applications into groups on the left side of the screen: Common Folders, Desktop, Games, and Quick Launch. A tab at the top offers easy volume control, the Help and Settings menus, and a Screen Off button for conserving power.
Though Blue Dolphin is a lot more fun on a touchscreen, as we saw on the CTL 2go Convertible Classmate PC, it was still entertaining to use on the 2go E10. We liked that the program icons in the main window jumped up and down when we moved our mouse over them, and flip when selected; we think kids will also enjoy these little touches. Users can customize which icons are displayed via the Settings menu.
The 2go thankfully has no extraneous bloatware and very little preinstalled trialware. Other than the ArcSoft WebCam Companion, there’s FBReader for eBooks, Foxit PDF reader, and Microsoft Works. We were surprised that the system didn’t come with any preinstalled parental control software, as on the Latitude 2100. Parents familiar with Windows will be able to apply user controls or install third-party software to provide some security and boundaries. However, having a software solution for this in place is much more desirable, especially as the 2go is aimed at the education market.
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