Intel initially launched its Classmate PC in the same vein as the One Laptop Per Child campaign XO, namely a low-cost low-spec machine for developing countries. Both systems, however, have slightly parted ways recently. First Intel derives its support for XO in the middle of a controversy, and now Classmate is apparently ready to be available throughout the United States and Europe in retail stores.

In fact the word, according to Reuters sources, is that even unveiled the second generation version of the Classmate would make its way into young consumers hands. Current pricing speculation seems to bring the system to almost $ 250 to $ 350 (£ 130 - £ 280) - a pretty flexible range suggesting that nothing is yet set in stone.

Realistic, however, the new Classmate probably fall into the same price range as Asus’ Eee PC. Features of the current Classmate and his successor are still kept under wraps, it is not how close a rival to be the next Eee Classmate detail. However, both run Linux operating systems customized with the option of installing Windows too, the similarities are there.

Quite how this movement will lead is hard to predict, but certainly Intel has the reputation needed to succeed in this business. If this will be sufficient to win over buyers remains to be seen.