Wal-Mart Sells PCs With Sun's Java Desktop System techweb ^ | March 31, 2004
Posted on 03/31/2004 2:15:44 PM EST by stainlessbanner
Sun has finally found an American partner for its Java Desktop System (JSD), the company's Linux-based alternative to Microsoft Windows: über-retailer Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart on Tuesday began selling low-cost Microtel PCs pre-loaded with JDS, offering several systems at prices ranging from $298 to $698.
Java Desktop System, which runs on Linux, includes the Gnome desktop, StarOffice productivity suite, Mozilla Web browser, and the Evolution e-mail client, and is Sun's pitch as a replacement for Windows and Microsoft Office in both the consumer and enterprise arenas.
On Tuesday, Sun said that it was seriously considering Wal-Mart as the sole PC supplier for JDS-equipped computers.
To prove the point, Wal-Mart's online and retail stores have begun selling systems like the Microtel SYSWM8001, which uses an AMD 1.6GHz Duron processor, comes with 128MB of memory, and a 40GB hard drive for less than $300. The 8001, as well as four other Microtel models, come standard with JDS.
Sounds like a major victory for Linux.