Otellini takes subtle swipe at the Vole

IN A subtle aside answering journalists' questions here at IDF, Intel's Paul Otellini admitted that part of the cost of its computer for developing countries - the Classmate PC - goes to the Redmond tithe.

He told journalists that Intel expects the Classmate PC to start shipping in serious numbers in Q1-Q2 2007. He explained that several manufacturers have agreed to produce the Classmate.

The design is being given to them on a 'royalty free basis' by Intel. Consequently Otellini predicted that the unit price would drop from around $250 right now down to about $200.

But it's using Windows and if were "running something else then it might be cheaper," Otellini explained. Such as Linux, perhaps?

In this morning's keynote, Intel showed a whole class in Nigeria using Classmate PCs during lessons. It's part of Intel's 'World Ahead' programme.

Intel aims to give away 100K computers and train some 10 million teachers over the next five years.

Incidentally, the INQ has discovered that the sub-$30 Motorola handset is already alive and kicking in the USA. Two INQ hacks have purchased said item from the local radio Shack and it even comes with $10 airtime on Cingular.

And they should work in Europe, too. µ