Mandriva strengthens Intel's contribution to education by actively participating in Intel's Classmate PC project. Several technology companies joined forces to produce Classmate PC, a portable computer for students in developing countries.
Mandriva and Intel spent eight months customizing the Mandriva Linux operating system for Classmate PC, including integrating drivers and adapting applications specially developed for this project. Classmate PC will be produced in Brazil and launched in the second quarter of 2007. Following the launch, Classmate PCs running Mandriva Linux 2007 will be available to Mexico, India and developing countries. Mandriva Linux is deployed in more than 140 countries around the world and supports over 75 languages.
Classmate PC weighs 2.9 lbs and includes a Celeron-M 900Mhz CPU, 256MB RAM, up to 2GB of flash memory, two USB ports, a seven inch LCD display, wireless network, and a waterproof keyboard. Mandriva Linux 2007 includes Internet, office and multimedia applications, as well as Intel drivers designed to improve the educational process within classrooms and at home.
"Classmate PC reinforces Mandriva's commitment, along with our partner Intel, to the development of technologies," explains Paul Guillet, Mandriva Brazil Country Manager. "We didn't have to think twice about participating in an initiative that improves educational options for Brazilian children through the use of technology," he concluded.
From now through the end of March 2007, approximately 800 Classmate PCs have been distributed to public schools, selected by the Brazilian government, for initial tests. The commercial launch of Classmate PC begins in the second quarter of 2007.
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