Intel's convertible Classmate in action

The Classmate's carrying handle would be a useful feature on other laptops designed for more general use. It is rugged and slightly bendable. The handle is well-anchored into the casing, which is itself impressively sturdy-feeling.

The Fizzbook Spin costs £349 including VAT, or £330 when bought through a school. It has 60GB of storage, an 8.9-inch touchscreen and 802.11n Wi-Fi.

The price is slightly higher than you would expect to pay for a general-purpose netbook, but Intel and its partners argue that the build quality justifies this, along with the availability of compatible hardware and software.