"Balance" Finances with Notebook
Posted by Lucy Layman
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We'd be exaggerating if we said the new Balance laptop fromWalmart was cheaper than a bare foot, mule riding charcoal burnerfrom the middle ages......
We'd be exaggerating if we said the new Balance laptop fromWalmart was cheaper than a bare foot, mule riding charcoal burnerfrom the middle ages......But it is an excellent deal. In partnership with Linspire, Walmart have announced the pre Christmas release of a basic Linux laptop for under 500 dollars.....$498to be exact!The Balance notebook is perhaps the cheapest new laptop in the U.S in 2005 to include a complete operating system and a fullyfunctioning office suite.
"What is Linspire?" I here you cry!
Well Linspire is an operating system based onLinux. Linspire claim that their OS offers significant securityadvantages against trojan horses and viruses which are targettedagainst PC users running Microsoft Windows.
The specifications of the Balance include a 1GHz processor,128MB RAM, a 30GB hard drive, a CD ROM drive and a 14.1 inch LCD(liquid crystal display.) These specs will hardly set thenotebook world alight but are adequate for a no frillsmachine.
The bundled software package includes a free firewall, theLinspire v4.5 operating system, OpenOffice.org office suite, anemail program and instant messenger software compatible withYahoo, MSN and AOL.
The notebook also comes with a free 3 month subscription to the Lindow's CNR service,which offers laptop owners one click access and installation toover 1,900 software titles.
Some will applaud Walmart's attempt to provide discount laptops for family's and individuals who may not be able to afford expensivemodels with Centrino processors. Others may see therelease of this notebook as nothing more than a cynical marketingploy. An attempt to swell Walmart's bloated corporate coffers bysaturating the mobile PC market with a 2nd rate product.
In short college students and the casual user lookingfor a cheap machine for surfing the web, and checking email willfind the Balance computer ideal. Folks looking to play the latest3D games should look elsewhere.
The Balance laptop is available for purchase at Walmart'sofficial web site.
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Comments
By: Jay Bush Aug 11, 2008 11:09 PM
Does anyone know where I can get a replacement power supply for a Balance 19" Monitor? THanx Jay