Linux misses out on early Classmate PCs

The first batch of Classmate PCs all run Windows

Intel's Classmate PCs currently shipping in Brazil and Mexico all run Windows despite buyers having the option of running Linux, according to an Intel spokeswoman. 

The Classmate PC is a notebook computer for school children in developing nations, and is available in Linux and Windows configurations.

"The Linux-based Classmates will be available in any market," Intel spokeswoman Agnes Kwan told vnunet.com. "But the choice between Windows and Linux will be up to the school purchasing the systems."

Intel is working with multiple Linux distributions to optimise the open source operating system for the device, and to ensure that the required drivers are in place.

Although Intel designed the low cost mobile computers, Classmate PCs are manufactured and sold by local original equipment manufacturers which determine which Linux distribution is made available.

Mandriva is the only Linux distribution that is publicly stated as certified for use on Classmate PCs. Intel said that it is working with additional distributions, but declined to give out any names.

The Classmate PC is powered by an Intel Celeron-M processor. The Linux version features a 1GB Flash drive, whereas Window's larger footprint requires a 2GB Flash drive.

The systems are estimated to cost up to $300, and started shipping in volume in mid-March.

The computers compete with the One Laptop per Child device, a low cost educational notebook project headed up by MIT professor Nicholas Negroponte. The group expects to start shipping in volume later this year.