A press release from Mandrakesoft:

Mandrakesoft and LaCie introduce GlobeTrotter: a 40GB mobile desktop

Moreno Valley, CA; Paris, France - August, 26th 2004 : GlobeTrotter, a new product by Mandrakesoft based on the LaCie Mobile Hard Drive designed by FA Porsche, is set to change the way users think about mobile computing. GlobeTrotter is a USB mobile hard drive loaded with a specially tuned version of Mandrakesoft's award-winning Mandrakelinux operating system. Combined with the power and unique design of LaCie hardware, GlobeTrotter allows users to turn any computer into their personal Linux desktop - for just 219 dollars (199 euros).

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. All it takes is simply plugging the GlobeTrotter into the USB port of the host PC and turning it on. The host computer is not modified in any way. And when the job is done, the GlobeTrotter can be taken to a different workstation with up to 40GB of a user's data including applications and personal settings.

"LaCie is pleased to work with Mandrakesoft and help Mandrakelinux users easily transport their personal work environments from one place to the next," says Mathilde Bohrmann, LaCie Vice President of Research and Development. "LaCie's powerful technology and hardware, paired with Mandrakelinux, makes the GlobeTrotter a must-have for professional users on the go."

With Mandrakesoft's OS powering the device, the user is provided with the flexibility, security, ease-of-use and power of a state-of-the-art Linux system. Among the included software are 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 the customer into their new system, GlobeTrotter comes with thirty days of web support, and membership to Mandrakeclub and Mandrakeonline for a month.

"Mobile computing is getting ever more popular with users worldwide - it is one of the fastest growing segments of the IT industry," says François Bancilhon, CEO of Mandrakesoft. "But the existing offer was lacking a device capable of carrying a full work environment but is not a computer in itself. GlobeTrotter is just that device."

Possible uses for GlobeTrotter include, among many others :
- People who are accustomed to working in a Linux environment and wish to carry it with them.
- People who need to use someone else's computer without altering anything.
- GlobeTrotter can be used as a sophisticated mobile media player.
- It can also be a powerful device for presentations and slide shows.

More information about GlobeTrotter is available here :
http://www.mandrakesoft.com/products/globetrotter
and here : http://www.mandrakesoft.com/products/globetrotter/faq

About Mandrakesoft

Mandrakesoft is the publisher of the popular Mandrakelinux operating system, one of the most full-featured and easy to use Linux systems available. The company offers its enterprise, government and educational customers a complete range of GNU/Linux and Open Source software and related services. Mandrakesoft products are available in more than 120 countries through dedicated channels and also from Mandrakestore.com, the company's online store. Number 1 in several countries, Mandrakesoft has won many awards for quality and technical innovation. "Born on the Internet" in late 1998, Mandrakesoft has offices in the United States and France. Mandrakesoft is traded on Paris Euronext March 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.