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Classmate PC
 The Classmate PC, formerly known as Eduwise, is Intel's entry into the market for low-cost personal computers for children in the developing world. It is in some respects similar to the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) trade association's Children's Machine (XO), which has a similar target market.
NEW: July 30, 2008 - Intel is working on the next version of its low-cost Classmate laptop, which could be ready in the next month or so, according to a report in PC World. The current version of the Classmate PC, to be updated by Intel soon.
There are very few concrete details on what changes are in store for the device, which is intended for school children. Intel would only say it will have a "new look and feel," and will get both hardware and software upgrades.
The second generation Intel-powered classmate PC is a mobile personal learning device for primary students in emerging markets. Developed specifically to enhance teaching and learning, classmate PCs engage children with ”real PC“ performance in a rugged, kid-friendly design. Classmate PCs come with practical, education-oriented features that improve the learning experience for students, teachers, parents, and schools.
Although definitely made for profit, the laptop production is believed to be an Information and Communication Technologies for Development project. The device may fall into a newly defined category of Netbooks.
Intel’s World Ahead Program was established May 2006. Intel began this program and designed a platform for low cost laptops that third party manufacturers could use to produce low cost machines under their own respective brands.
The World Ahead program's public spokesman is Craig Barrett, Chairman of the Board of Intel. The Classmate PC is a reference design by Intel. Intel will not build the subnotebooks, but will instead build the chips that power them. The reference design is then used by OEMs worldwide to build their own branded Classmate PC.
The classmate PC is a revolutionary new device targeted at providing one computing solution per student, taking advantage of the education focus to deliver a product that provides great student education in a rugged industrial design intended for children.
Features
 Smaller, kid friendly form factor
Rugged design
Convenient carrying handle
Designed for education
Durable rugged design for children's day-to-day use
Small, kid friendly, form factor for classroom use
Easy to carry and light-weight
Education-specific features
Integrated software and hardware solution
Learning through fun, collaboration and interaction
Easy to deploy
IA-based, runs on already available content, applications and operating systems with full compatibility to standard PC ecosystem
Software
Intel announced that its device would run either Linux or Windows XP Professional. Intel is not using Windows XP Embedded as initially planned. Intel has been actively working with various international and local Linux distributions in various countries.
Intel has worked with Mandriva to customize their Linux distribution for Classmate PC.
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