Intel's convertible Classmate in action

Portugal's Magalhaes (Magellan) scheme promises to provide a Classmate laptop equipped with 3G for every child in Portugal. The dual-boot machines are based on the older, non-swivelling Classmate model, and will run Windows XP and Caixa Magica, a local version of Linux.

The netbooks are constructed in Portugal using a customised motherboard. They will be provided to children at a cost of €50 (£45) and €250, depending on income — a price subsidised by the government and mobile operators. The machines will have a 3G modem built in, and the offer includes a monthly 3G contract starting at €5 for those on low incomes.

"For many, this is the first PC in their house," said a spokesman for JP Sa Couto, the manufacturer of the netbooks. The programme is funded by the money raised by the government auction for Portugal's 3G mobile licences, some 10 years ago, according to the spokesman.

A similar project is being carried out in Venezuela, where a million Classmate machines will be distributed, all running the Debian-based Portuguese Linux distribution.