***Wal-Mart Breaks Price Barrier with $498 Linux Laptop Running
Linspire
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
online.
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 are
available at the Linspire website.
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, 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 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.
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, 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.
View the interactive tutorials at
www.linspire.com/walmartstart
and a sample Quick Start guide at
www.linspire.com/qsguide
To purchase, visit
www.linspire.com/498
Wave Issue 0503 1/21/05 Article 6-01