Wal-Mart Breaks Price Barrier with $498 Linux Laptop Running Linspire

LXer ^ | 12/20/2004 | Unknown

[angkor]

SAN DIEGO, December 20, 2004 – Walmart.com has released the $498 Balance laptop, which runs the Linux-based operating system Linspire. The laptop comes fully equipped with the operating system, Internet suite, and Microsoft-file compatible office suite, and can be used with both dial-up modems and broadband connections. The $498 price does not require coupons or rebates and can be purchased immediately at http://www.linspire.com/498.

Wal-Mart and Linspire worked together to offer a laptop that would give customers the best user experience at the lowest price possible. The Balance notebook is the lowest-priced laptop currently on the market to include a complete operating system and office suite - comparable machines cost hundreds more even without an office suite or software included.

Hardware specifications:

*1.0 GHz processor

*128 MB RAM, expandable up to 512 MB with included SODIMM slot

*14.1'' LCD screen

Included software:

*Linspire 4.5 operating system

*OpenOffice.org - full-featured Microsoft file-compatible office suite with word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation programs

*Internet suite including email with spam blockers, Internet browser, and built-in firewall

*More than 1,900 free software programs for download, with guaranteed software updates for 3 months

More specifications for the Balance $498 laptop are available at http://www.linspire.com/498.

The $498 Balance notebook with Linspire is an extremely affordable Linux-based computer perfect for use as a second or third home machine. Users can connect to the Internet and create, edit and share documents within minutes of bringing the laptop home without paying extra charges for software or licensing fees. Wal-Mart and Linspire partnered to bring a full-featured laptop to consumers at the lowest price point possible.

The Balance laptop is compatible with other office and Internet suites like Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer, and can be used with more than 1,000 printers and hardware components. With the included office suite OpenOffice.org (www.linspire.com/openoffice), users can open, edit and exchange files such as word processing documents (.doc), spreadsheets (.xls) or presentations (.ppt) in a familiar, comfortable environment. The laptop's included Mozilla Internet suite (www.linspire.com/mozilla) comes with a fast-functioning browser and email program that can display Web-based forms, PDF documents, images, and multimedia files. The suite's included instant messenger program works with AOL, MSN and Yahoo! logins.

Besides being affordable, the laptop is also easy-to-use, even for those new to Linux-based operating systems. The computer's Linspire operating system has a comfortable, familiar interface and software that is comparable to Windows. “Hot keys” on the keyboard give users one-touch access to email and the Internet. The laptop also comes installed with multimedia tutorials that Linspire worked with Wal-Mart to create for users who purchase the laptop, and a Quick Start guide to make set-up easy. View the interactive tutorials at http://www.linspire.com/walmartstart and a sample Quick Start guide at http://www.linspire.com/qsguide.

Because it is based on Linux, the Linspire operating system is immune to security threats targeting Microsoft Windows software including viruses, Trojan horses and spyware. The machine's built-in firewall gives an extra level of protection from outside threats, and the included Internet suite's standard spam and pop-up blockers make surfing and emailing hassle-free.

The $498 price also includes access to software programs via the CNR Warehouse (www.linspire.com/warehouse), an Internet-based software download center that allows users to install any of more than 1,900 software programs with one click. The CNR Service is available free to those who purchase the laptop from walmart.com, with guaranteed software updates available for three months after purchase. Once programs are downloaded, they are completely owned by the user and can be shared on multiple Linspire-based PCs with no activation codes required.

To purchase the Balance notebook for $498 with Linspire, please visit http://www.linspire.com/498.

[philetus]

I have already seen a TV commercial for buying a car from Costco.

[OKSooner]

Hey, wait a minute. Don't do anything just yet, let me run out and buy one so I can get in on the class action suit too.

[angkor]

Does this mean that Wal-Mart is okay now?

Is this a mandated "conservative" position?

OK. Yeah, I think Wal-Mart is the ne plus ultra of capitalism.

[American Vet Repairman]

"If Wal-Mart ever decides to get into the automobile business, hoo-boy, the local shysters and "dealers" better look out."

Amen. I feel sorry for some people who were robbed by dishonest car salesmen. Wal Mart will balance the equation.

[dennisw]

If you need a laptop I think this is a great deal except needing another 256mb memory module and upgrade to a 15" screen   ::::::::

http://www.gotapex.com/  showcases great computer deals of all kinds but mostly Dell.

________________________

DellSB - Inspiron 1150 Laptop with 2.6Ghz Celeron, 14.1" TFT, 256MB of DDR SDRAM, 30GB HD, 24x CD-RW/DVD Combo, for $599 after Rebate with FREE Shipping! (Posted by: Apex)
They`ve got a $150 instant discount and a $100 rebate that brings it down to just $599 with FREE 3-5 day shipping! You get a FREE upgrade to a 24x CD-/RW/DVD combo drive ($49 value) on this one, as well as a FREE Dell Wireless 1350 802.11b/g card ($39 value). The notebook comes with a 2.6Ghz Celeron processor, 14.1" TFT, 256MB of DDR SDRAM in 1 SODIMM (making upgrades cheap and convenient), a 30GB hard drive, 10/100 NIC, 56k modem, 65 WHr 8-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery, and Windows XP Home. Perfect for those of you who just needs a laptop for normal everyday use.

• Start here through the following link. DELL INSPIRON 1150 NOTEBOOK DEAL
• Click on Customize It under Inspiron 1150 $598
• All of the options for the lowest possible price, including the upgrades, should already be selected.
• Scroll to the bottom and click on Continue
• At this point, we`d suggest upgrading the warranty to 1 year since it only costs $19. It`s a worthwhile investment.
• Scroll to the bottom and click on Continue
• Scroll to the bottom and click on Add to Cart
• Finish checking out. Ground shipping is free! Send in the $100 rebate. Expires 12/21/04.
• Update: The slightly lower configured and smaller and lighter Inspiron 1000 deal is still available as well. You get an Inspiron 1000 Laptop with 2.2GHz Celeron, 14.1" TFT, 256MB DDR SDRAM, 30GB HD, 24x CD-RW/DVD Combo Drive for $599 after rebate and also shipped for free! Click on Customize It under Inspiron 1000 $599.

 

[Doohickey]

Mandated? Nah. Between the "Microsoft sucks" and "Wal-Mart sucks" threads, I want to see which one wins out. I guess Wal-Mart does.

[angkor]

OK. Yeah, I think Wal-Mart is the ne plus ultra of capitalism.

You note the absence of a /sarcasm tag.

[angkor]

Absolutely a better deal from Dell.

[VeniVidiVici]

Just picked up an HP ze4910 at Best Buy for my wife for Christmas.

15", 60GB, cd-rw/dvd, 512mb, built-in wireless for $699 after rebates (unfortunately, I do hate rebates).

I was literally surfing the net most of the night looking for deals and was a single submit button away from getting her a $900 Dell when I found this.

It's in the ballpark pricewise with it's features. Gave it to her early and she loves it.

[Straight Vermonter]

Installation/configuration is getting easier each year, but is still the most difficult part. In most cases it is now easier than installing Windows, but how many people actually install Windows - rather than using the factory installation?

Right. I would certainly prefer to buy one that has linux already loaded like this one. I run the usual office aps mostly so this this one with open office seems like it would be a great (cheap) way for me to find out about linux.

[finnigan2]

" Anyone buying a computer at Wal-Mart and expecting it to be a state-of-the-art machine needs to get a clue."

- Amazing. You've managed to capture my entire argument in one short sentence. No, I don't expect Wal-Mart to sell state of the art, but how about worth the money? This piece of iron has only one thing going for it - a low price. If you want a computer, "perfect for use as a second or third home machine" I suggest that for $100. more you can get a desk top with triple the RAM and speed, a much larger screen size and loaded up with tons of free software with three or four months of free internet connection to sweeten the deal. Why in the hell would you then choose this clunker - so you can carry it into the bathroom to do work while sitting on the toilet?

[djf]

Is it an Intel based box? Can you Fdisk the hard drive?

I'm just curious, because most of my machines have Windoze loaded first, the I throw RH9 on top w/Grub, so I can boot Linux or Windows. And almost all of my Windows images have Cygwin running under them!

I admit I'm not crazy about X11 running under Cygwin, but hey, it works.

[Recovering_Democrat]

Damn. Costco is filled with leftists/Soros supporters, et al. Maybe...maybe I could buy a car from them, and send the balance to Club for Growth or to a pro-life organization....hmmmmmmmmmmmmm...

[ordinaryguy]

All of the major distributions ship with OpenOffice, so this one isn't special in that regard. I'd really recommend something other than Linspire.

You could try Knoppix (www.knoppix.com). You can download it and burn a CD. You can then boot your computer off of that CD, and play around with Linux without having to install anything. Remove the CD at the next reboot, and you'll be back to running Windows off your hard drive.

If/ when you are ready to install Linux, I'd recommend Mandrake or SuSE. They both have free, downloadable versions, and more comprehensive versions for sale. If your hard drive is large enough, you can dual-boot. That is, you can install Linux side-by-side with Windows, and when you start up the machine you'll be able to choose between Windows and Linux.

If you buy a cheap machine, and the hardware is flaky, you might blame it on Linux, rather than on the hardware. Any OS will give you problems on flaky hardware.

[ordinaryguy]

If someone is in the market for a notebook computer as their second or third home machine, a desktop machine isn't going to be a good substitute, no matter how much RAM or how large the screen. They probably also won't have use for several months of Internet service - because they probably already have an ISP for their first/second computer(s).

Notebooks are useful for things other than taking to the bathroom.

This machine is essentially competing against a low end Dell Inspiron, which I would also steer folks away from. There is a market there, though.

[A CA Guy]

Cool, you can F-disk that garbage off and put your own owned copy of windows on and then enjoy the computer.

[edchambers]

free software upgrades for three months!

As opposed to? paying for upgrades? Being uninitiated to the nix world is that how it works the OS is free but you have to pay for updates?

[edchambers]

Right program wrong idea.Reformat the hard drive then use FDISK to partition it and install both your favorite version of Windows and a Nix variant.Flexability rules.

[edchambers]

If anything, now first time computer buyers will learn you get what you pay for...

Yep, but you got to realize that for many people that's all they can afford to spend on a computer.I think they could get allot more at that price with a desktop but that's just me.On the bright side it may drive the price of good laptops down a bit.

[ikka]

If Wal-Mart ever decides to get into the automobile business, hoo-boy, the local shysters and "dealers" better look out.

They tried many years ago and got their butts handed to them on a platter, as all the small-town millionaires running the dealerships put huge pressure on their state reps. I forget which state this was, but IIRC it was Arizona or Arkansas.