Atom-Powered PeeWee PC Sports Touch Tablet and Webcam

Maybe it's never too early to get kids their first netbook: the new PeeWee Pivot Tablet Laptop sports an Atom process, tablet touch screen, and a $600 price tag.

PeeWeePC is rolling out another computer aimed at the 10-year-old set, this time introducing the Atom-opowered PeeWee Pivot Tablet Laptop. The PeeWee Tablet Laptop sports a 1.6 GHz Atom processor, a 1.3 megapixel Webcam, and a rotating screen that converts between a normal notebook orientation and a touch tablet—so kids can use either a keyboard or a stylus to interact with their favorite programs or games. And, of course, the unit features a ruggedized, spill-resistant case that’s designed to endure the bumps and knocks the younger generation has to offer.

“We design all our computers to meet the needs of both our young end users and their parents,” said PeeWeePC’s Oscar Ferreria, in a statement. “This means creating products that are both fun and durable, but most importantly, safe.”

The PeeWee Tablet Laptop runs Windows XP, and sports a 60 GB hard drive, 100Base-T Ethernet, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi wireless connectivity, and 1 GB of RAM. The system also packs two USB 2.0 ports, an SD/MMC media card reader, and a VGA port for hooking up to an external monitor.

PeeWee also includes a proprietary security suite so parents have complete control of how and when kids use the notebook—parents can also view browsing histories, block sites, take screenshots, and control the system remotely. “We all understand the drawbacks associated with giving children internet access,” said Ferreria. “There is no way any child should be browsing the internet without advanced security software.”

The PeeWee Tablet Laptop also ships with game titles for Pre-K, Early Elementary, or Upper Elementary students, plus a free Walt Disney Windows XP theme.

The PeeWee Tablet Laptop is priced at $599.99 and is available now from PeeWeePC.