New Business of CTL Corporation Introduces Mini-Notebook for Elementary and Middle School Students

07 Apr 2008 • by Natalie Aster

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The backpacks of lots of kids in grades K-8 are soon going to get heavier (just a little bit). That's because Portland computer manufacturer, CTL Corporation, is introducing its new mini-notebook. The company will sell the notebook through its integration partners.

Priced from about $400 to just under $500, the new 2go™ PC by CTL comes with Windows or Linux. The notebook has a full keyboard, 9" LCD screen, 40GB hard drive, up to 1GB of memory, integrated camera and Wi-Fi. With this configuration, it is able to run most common applications and is internet-ready. At just under 3 lbs., it adds little extra weight to the average backpack. But, featuring sturdy, drop-proof construction, it will stand up to the toughest everyday use.

"The 2go™ PC is the first such product to be available in the U.S.," said Erik Stromquist, CTL Corporation's executive vice president. "We believe it will be very appealing to schools as a tool that fosters collaboration among students and teachers in the classroom. Parents will like it because it will make learning exciting for kids while also providing the controls they want on any computers their children use."

Several school districts throughout the country were involved in the test pilot program including Portland Public Schools. "We really put it to the test and found it more than met the expectations of our teachers and students," said Michael Scott, third grade teacher at Buckman Elementary School. "Also, priced as it is, it's an affordable way to make technology available to all students."

"The collaboration features are particularly exciting," Scott continued, "This unit has software that enables sharing of work between students, teachers and parents. It really allows a whole new level of learning that hasn't been seen in education before."

The 2go™ PC is based on the Intel® Celeron® M processor and the Intel 915GMS chipset. It has a 9-in. 800 x 480 LCD screen, and a 40GB Seagate hard drive. The notebook features a sturdy plastic case, two integrated speakers, two USB ports, RJ-45 10/100 LAN ports and 4-cell Lithium Ion batteries with three to four-hour typical usage time. It is Microsoft Windows XP-available and will run Linux as well. The computer also features a built-in webcam and memory card reader.

"The benefits of technology in education and students' passion for technology-based learning are universal," said Lila Ibrahim, general manager of Intel's Emerging Market Platforms Group which collaborated with CTL to develop the 2go™ PC. "Based on the positive results from classmate PC pilots conducted in the United States over the past year, we have received many eager inquiries to provide affordable and meaningful technology for American youth. We are excited to see students in the U.S. now have access to CTL's 2go™ PC, based on the design of the second generation Intel-powered classmate PC."

The 2go™ PC by CTL business will be headed by John Tucker, a 10-year consumer electronics industry veteran. "We're extremely excited by the prospects for the mini-notebook business," Tucker said. "This is a huge, untapped market in the U.S. By our analysis, unit sales in the industry could reach over one million per month by Q2 2009, and CTL is poised to secure a fair share of that market," Tucker said.

About CTL

Founded in 1989, the company manufactures CTL-branded desktop computers, laptops and notebooks, computer monitors and servers as well as its Nexus brand of plasma and LCD televisions. Headquartered in Portland, with offices in Seattle and Seoul, Korea, CTL is a supplier to numerous government agencies in Oregon and Washington, and to many of the most recognized corporate brands, including Kroger Company's Fred Meyer chain, and Intel Corporation. CTL's Retronics division is one of the nation's leading recyclers of technology components.