Walmart.com To Sell PCs Sans OS
<a href="http://news.com.com/2100-1017-842375.html" target="_blank">CNet reports</a>.
[quote] "We decided to sell the computers without an operating system so those customers who didn't want Windows could load the OS of their choice," said Lin, adding that another attractive element in not offering an operation system is that eliminating Windows considerably drops the cost of PCs.
For example, on PCs that sell for $599 or less, Windows becomes one of the most expensive components in the mix. Linux, of course, can be obtained for free.
<hr></blockquote>
<a href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/54/24165.html" target="_blank">The Registers take</a>:
[quote] And when they get their OS-naked PCs what will they do next? Our guess is that the majority will load them up with pirate versions of Windows, as opposed to Linux distros.
<hr></blockquote>
That sums up what I thought when I first heard of this.
[quote] "We decided to sell the computers without an operating system so those customers who didn't want Windows could load the OS of their choice," said Lin, adding that another attractive element in not offering an operation system is that eliminating Windows considerably drops the cost of PCs.
For example, on PCs that sell for $599 or less, Windows becomes one of the most expensive components in the mix. Linux, of course, can be obtained for free.
<hr></blockquote>
<a href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/54/24165.html" target="_blank">The Registers take</a>:
[quote] And when they get their OS-naked PCs what will they do next? Our guess is that the majority will load them up with pirate versions of Windows, as opposed to Linux distros.
<hr></blockquote>
That sums up what I thought when I first heard of this.
Comments
My computer looks like a Wal-Mart computer.
<strong>They use my case.
My computer looks like a Wal-Mart computer. </strong><hr></blockquote>
poor grover...
im sry dude. i would cry, but i really dont care...
<img src="graemlins/smokin.gif" border="0" alt="[Chilling]" />
Intel Celeron 1.0GHz processor
128MB 133MHz SDRAM Memory, supports up to 512MB 256 Kbytes integrated Level 2 cache
40GB Ultra ATA-100 Hard Drive / 5400RPM (total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment)
52x CD-ROM
3.5" Floppy Disk Drive
Up to 8MB shared video memory
AC'97 Soft Audio, Integrated
PCI 56K Modem
Micro ATX Tower Case (7.06" W x 14.7" D x 13.8" H)
Total drive bays: External, two 5.25", two 3.5"; Internal, one 3.5"
Available drive bays: External, one 5.25", one 3.5"; Internal, one 3.5"
Available Slots: 2 PCI
1 High-speed serial port
1 Parallel port
2 USB ports
1 Game port
104 Key Keyboard
2 Button Mouse w/wheel
Audio Port (Line-in, Line-out, Mic-in)
14-Watt (RMS) Stereo Speakers
1 Year warranty, return to Microtel
Operating System - NOT INCLUDED
$399
AMD Athlon 1.4 GHz processor
266MHz Frontside Bus
256MB 133MHz SDRAM Memory, supports up to 1GB
40GB Ultra ATA-100 Hard Drive / 5400RPM (total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment)
52X CDROM
3.5" Floppy Drive
Integrated S3 Savage4 3D graphics
Up to 32 MB shared video memory
Supports 2x, 4x AGP graphic add-in cards
ADI AC97 soft audio, integrated
PCI 56K Modem
250 Watt ATX Mid Tower Case (8" W x 17" D x 17" H)
Total drive bays: External, four 5.25", two 3.5"; Internal, two 3.5"
Available drive bays: External, three 5.25", one 3.5"; Internal, two 3.5"
Available Slots: 2 PCI, 1 ISA
2 Serial Ports
1 Parallel Port
2 USB Ports
1 Game Port
104 Key Keyboard
2 button mouse w/wheel
Audio Port (Line-in, Line-out, Mic-in)
14 Watt (RMS) Stereo Speakers
1 Year warranty, return to Microtel
Operating System - NOT INCLUDED
$499
Intel Pentium 4 processor 1.6GHz
400MHz frontside bus
128MB 133MHz SDRAM Memory, up to 1GB
20GB Ultra ATA-100 Hard Drive / 5400RPM (total accessible capacity varies depending on operating environment)
52X CD-ROM
3.5" Floppy Disk Drive
10/100 LAN, Integrated
PCI 56K Modem
Up to 64MB video accelerator, integrated
AC'97 Soft Audio, Integrated
Micro ATX Tower Case (7.06" W x 14.7" D x 13.8" H)
Total drive bays: External, two 5.25", two 3.5"; Internal, one 3.5"
Available drive bays: External, one 5.25", one 3.5"; Internal, one 3.5"
Available Slots: 3 PCI, 1 AGP
1 High-speed serial port
1 Parallel port
2 USB ports
1 Game port
104 Key Keyboard
2 Button Mouse w/wheel
Audio Port (Line-in, Line-out, Mic-in)
14 Watt (RMS) Stereo Speakers
1 Year warranty, return to Microtel
Operating System - NOT INCLUDED
$499
Take that, Bill. <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
<strong>How many inbreds will buy one and return it saying they are broken?</strong><hr></blockquote>
<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
My thoughts exactly
We might be able to use the success of this venture as an indicator of how widespread piracacy really is. That, or how many linux geeks are out there. I think if they shipped the things with free distros of linux/a linux office suite and internet/messaging client, a lot of people wouldn't need windows at all.
Somehow I don't think this will suceed.
So, the person walks over to the software shelf to pick up an OS. He knows a lot about computers and knows an OS is just a BIOS without the BI (because he's probably a computer genius).
Now, what options does mr. smartguy have before him? Well, there's MS Windows 2000. Looks good, but 2000 was 2 years ago and that can't be that good. There's MS Windows Me (maybe)...eh, it's not the millenium anymore though, so that's probably old too. Well, here's that new MS Windows XP. I think that's the newest. Looks more colorful. Does neat things.
Mr. smartguy walks down the isle a way, doing a double check, and sees another little box. Oh, hey, here's something called Linux (here's where the genius part kicks in). Smartguy heard about this. Wouldn't mind trying something new. But wait. Where are all the games? Is there Internet Explorer on Linux? Can I use my old steering wheel setup w/Linux (mr. smartguy realizes he's not that smart)? Hmm...better not get that. This XP looks pretty good. Nice butterfly.
So, what does this really mean?
Probably not a damn thing.
Oh, and the name kills me. Microtel. Hmm... sounds familiar. Micro, micro...hmmmm.. tel, tel,...nope can't place it.
[ 02-22-2002: Message edited by: seb ]</p>
Stupid move for WalMart. Good for the rest of us.
<strong>Microsoft wont allow computers to be sold that way.</strong><hr></blockquote>
ehehe, so you do have a sense of humor
<strong>Microsoft wont allow computers to be sold that way.</strong><hr></blockquote>
What's MS gunna do to walmart?? PC's are probbaly just a tiny fraction of walmart's business.
It's a choice. Choice is good, even if 90% of the people who buy it go with windows. It also maybe makes people aware that there are other OSes out there.
so what can M$ do, exactly?
Nada.
<strong>So, what does this really mean?
Probably not a damn thing.</strong><hr></blockquote>
It means, when you upgrade to a new computer, you aren't forced to buy a second Windows license for it. Just because you aren't going to install Linux on it, does not mean you're a pirate. Here, try this:
Let's say, in 1999, you bought an HP Somethinorother. It came with Windows 98 on it. Now it's 2002 and you're ready to get a new computer. Suppose you don't want XP (you're not ready to upgrade yet, or whatever). Why shouldn't you be able to buy a "blank" PC and install your legal copy of 98 on it?
This scenario isn't far-fetched. I know somebody that needs a new PC at work, but absolutely does not want to ugrade to XP. She should be able to load up the 98 that came with her old PC.
The only question is: what happens to the old PC? Legally, if you're putting your old OS on your new PC, you must erase the old one. If you sell the PC with the OS on it, you're a pirate. However, if you give or sell it to somebody "blank" you're fine. There are lots of people and instituions (libraries, schools) that wipe PCs and install their own systems which they have purchased licenses for (site licenses or whatever).
[ 02-23-2002: Message edited by: Matsu ]</p>
<strong>
Why shouldn't you be able to buy a "blank" PC and install your legal copy of 98 on it?</strong><hr></blockquote>
Because I consider Windows 98 a virus. <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laughing]" />
Why do they uninstall XP? F.U.D. from morons who don't know anything.
"Microsoft with install yuor data files on teh intarweb!"
I had to beat an IT guy over the head with links (and a demonstration) to convince him that XP's authentication procedure didn't involve a credit card #.
XP is fine, move on with your lives.