The CTL 2Go PC convertible tablet/netbook is one of the first sub-$500 touchscreen tablet PCs to hit the market. The mini-laptop is based on the third version of Intel’s Classmate PC design and while it’s not quite as rugged as early versions of the Classmate PC, it is much more versatile thanks to its 8.9 inch touchscreen display, accelerometer, and integrated software suite.

I should be getting a demo unit to review next week, but in the meantime, you can read a full review over at Laptop Magazine. Laptop’s Joanna Stern has been playing with the latest 2Go PC since the end of CES, and she’s reached the same basic conclusion that I have: While this machine is clearly built for educational markets, it’s the first Classmate PC-based device that will also appeal to mainstream customers.

You can buy the 2Go PC for $499 from CTL’s web site.

If you’re holding out for a slimmer, more professional looking netbook/tablet, Asus will release the Eee PC T91 and T101H touchscreen netbooks within the next few months. No word on pricing for those units yet.

You can read more about the CTl 2Go PC Convertible netbook in the Liliputing Product Database.