LaCie and Mandriva Introduce GlobeTrotter 2.0

Press Release: LaCie and Mandriva Introduce GlobeTrotter 2.0, an 80GB
Portable Linux Desktop


Mandriva and LaCie today introduce GlobeTrotter 2.0, the new version
of their mobile worker solution consisting of a Lacie USB hard drive
pre-loaded with a specially tuned version of Mandriva Linux. Following
the success of the first-generation GlobeTrotter, LaCie will
distribute the device through its own worldwide dealer network. The
storage capacity of the hard drive has been increased to 80 GB.
The full announcement is pasted hereafter and is also available on our
website.
http://wwwnew.mandriva.com/en/company/press/pr

***

LaCie and Mandriva Introduce GlobeTrotter 2.0, an 80GB Portable Linux
Desktop

- Bus-powered USB drive with pre-loaded specific Mandriva Linux
version
- Best for Linux users who want a portable Linux desktop
- New for Windows users who want to test Linux without modifying their
OS 

November 24th, 2005 - Today Mandriva and LaCie introduce a mobile USB
hard drive pre-loaded with a specially tuned version of the
award-winning Mandriva Linux operating system: the GlobeTrotter2.0 in
40GB or 80GB. Combined with the power and unique design of LaCie
hardware, GlobeTrotter allows users to turn any computer into their
personal Linux desktop. Following the  introduction of
first-generation GlobeTrotters by Mandriva last year in Europe, LaCie
received significant response and will now offer this
second-generation GlobeTrotter through its own worldwide dealer
network.

"LaCie is pleased to offer the GlobeTrotter in partnership with
Mandriva," says Mathilde Bohrmann, LaCie Vice President of Research
and Development. "We want to help Linux users easily transport their
personal work environments from one place to the next. Our powerful
technology and hardware paired with Mandriva Linux makes the
GlobeTrotter a must-have for professional users on the go."

GlobeTrotter is perfect for those with serious capacity and power
needs. Unlike CD-R's and USB keys that only store data, or laptops
that are heavy and expensive, the GlobeTrotter offers a complete work
environment in one cost-effective, lightweight package. Simply plug
the GlobeTrotter into the USB port of a host PC and turn it on.
Hardware on the host computer is automatically detected but is not
modified in any way. When the job is done, GlobeTrotter can be taken
to a different workstation with up to 80GB a user's data including
applications and personal settings.

With Mandriva Linux powering the device, users are provided with the
flexibility, security, ease-of-use and power of a state-of-the-art
Linux system. Among the included software is the productivity suite
OpenOffice.org, integrated personal information management software
such as Kontact and Evolution, as well as full-featured development
tools. To further ease customers into their new systems, GlobeTrotter
comes with 30 days of web support from Mandriva, and membership to
Mandrivaclub and Mandrivaonline for a month.

"Despite Linux being today as easy to install and use as its
proprietary counterparts, some may be hesitant to switch. GlobeTrotter
removes the so-called barriers in migrating to Linux: users don't have
to go through an installation, their hardware is automatically
detected, and nothing is modified on the host computer," says François
Bancilhon, Mandriva CEO. "This mobile desktop will appeal to Linux
beginners and experts alike, who will enjoy turning that monotonous
Windows box into a solid, versatile Linux machine."

Features
- Linux-bootable 40-80GB USB hard drive designed by LaCie
- Automatic hardware detection and storage of profiles
- Pre-loaded Mandriva Linux specific edition  with OpenOffice.org and
much more
- Free membership to Mandriva Club and  Mandriva Online for a month

* For computers that don't support booting from USB, a bootable MiniCD
may be used instead.


Product Information
http://wwwnew.mandriva.com/en/individuals/products/globet...

Availability
GlobeTrotter 2.0 is avalible for purchase at the Mandriva Store
http://store.mandriva.com/product_info.php?products_id=277

About Mandriva
Mandriva, formerly known as Mandrakesoft, is the publisher of the
popular Mandriva Linux operating system, one of the most full-featured
and easy to use Linux systems. The company offers its enterprise,
government educational customers a complete range of GNU/Linux and
Open Source software and related services. Mandriva products are
available in more than 140 countries through dedicated channels and
also from Mandrivastore.com, the company's online store. 
"Born on the Internet" in late 1998, Mandriva has offices in the
United States, France and Brazil. Mandriva is traded on Paris Euronext
Marché Libre (ISIN Code: FR0004159382/MLMAN; Reuters code: MAKE.PA)
and the US OTC market (stock symbol MDKFF).

About LaCie
Established in the United States, Europe and Asia, LaCie is the
world's leading producer of PC and Macintosh compatible storage
peripherals. Through a specialized sales dealer network, LaCie offers
innovative solutions for creative professionals in multimedia
applications (graphics, audio, video, web design and digital
photography). What differentiates LaCie is the design of its products
and original creations by designers such as Philippe Starck, Porsche
Design GmbH and Neil Poulton. LaCie is listed on the Paris Nouveau
Marché(code 5431). www.lacie.com.

Contacts
Press Inquiries: 	
Mandriva/Kadjo N'Doua, +33-1-40-41-67-67, press@mandriva.com