Review: Dell Latitude 2100

The netbook stemmed from the need to offer a cheap, low powered computing solution for kids in classrooms. Now Dell has come out with an Atom powered portable aimed squarely at the academically minded. Reviewer Priya Ganapati explains:

The 2100's most striking feature is the matte, rubber-like coating that envelops the netbook. Its grainy texture lets tiny, slippery fingers get a firm grip. It also repels dirt, grime and the occasional candy collision. When one Wired editor put it to the test by grinding a peanut M&M into the façade, we were able to brush the chocolate off with a quick swipe of a damp cloth.

The 10.1-inch display is bright and does well in both bright sunlight and under the harsh fluorescent lighting typically found in public school classrooms. And with the 80-GB hard drive there's just enough storage space to toss in pictures, homework and maybe a Hannah Montana video or two.

Speaking of downloading Miss Montana, the Latitude 2100 also has a network-activity light built into the top of the lid. This small rectangle illuminates when you are connected to a Wi-Fi network or an ethernet connection. It also flickers (albeit weakly) when we browsed the net. The idea? Making sure kids are not surfing the internet when they should be working on a math problem.

Want to know more? Of course you do! Check out the full take on the Dell Latitude 2100 on our reviews site.

(Photo by Jon Snyder/ Wired.com)