A brief hands-on with the Intel Classmate PC (with Linux)
Submitted by srlinuxx on Sun, 07/08/2007 - 23:35.
Ars Technica recently got its hands on the new Intel Classmate laptop computer, one of the new projects competing for a share of school-aged computer users in developing countries. I was able to survey this machine thanks to Helio Chissini de Castro of Mandriva.
The unit I looked at was powered by a specialized version of Mandriva 2007, with customizations aimed at school-aged children. It was packed with several free, open-source productivity programs such as OpenOffice.org, and included a number of customizations to make the KDE-powered interface easier to use for those with limited computer experience. Support for open-source software for these systems will reduce the price, but there are other advantages as well. Schools and governments will be able to modify the Classmate PC software to meet their needs.
The hardware consisted of a number of Intel-powered chips, ranging from the Intel Celeron 900 processor to the Intel Mobile graphics and wireless chipsets. It was loaded up with 256MB of RAM, which in my usage was more than enough for powering Mandriva.
Mandriva trains young students on Openoffice suite ?
For the small hands on Intel laptop, Abiword may have to suffice until they grow up to learn at the university? Spreadsheets and database seemd beyond grade school needs?
On the other hand, email should be the main project for student networking social skills? Jack and Jill run up the hill, to get a pail of water?