$498 Laptop Coming to Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart introduced a USD $498 notebook computer Monday, the first factory-new laptop to break the sub-$500 price barrier. The company approached San Diego-based Linspire earlier this year to build a low-price laptop that would be competitive, yet inexpensive enough for Wal-Mart's normally bargain-minded customers. It will run Linspire OS, which is based on the Linux operating system.
The notebook comes with a 1.0GHz processor, 128MB of RAM, a 30GB hard drive, a CD-ROM drive, two USB 2.0 ports, and a 14.1" LCD screen. OpenOffice.org is also included, which is an alternative office suite that is compatible with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint files.
Linspire says the laptop is intended for use as a second or third computer, and that users should find the operating system easy to use as the features and software are patterned after Windows.
As a bonus to Wal-Mart customers, Linspire has included a 3-month subscription to the CNR Warehouse with the system. Buyers will have free access to the company's file library which includes over 1,900 programs. After the subscription ends, customers will have the choice of paying $4.95 USD per month or $49.95 USD a year if they wish to continue the service.
The laptop is available for purchase on Wal-Mart's Web site. No announcement has been made on whether or not Wal-Mart intends to sell the laptop in its stores.