SAN DIEGO, June 17, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Lindows.com, Inc., (http://www.lindows.com) whose mantra has been "Bringing Choice to Your Computer," is now delivering on its promises of choice by partnering with Microtel Computer Systems to ship Lindows.com's Operating System, LindowsOS, pre-installed on their personal computers. For less than $300, computer-buyers can take advantage of LindowsOS and Microtel's offering at Walmart.com (NYSE:WMT) (PCX:WMT) therefore bringing computer ownership closer to those with limited resources.
LindowsOS, a Linux(r)-based operating system, formerly only available to Lindows.com Insiders (www.lindows.com/signup), is now publicly available for the first time on Microtel PCs (www.buymicrotel.com).
"LindowsOS and Microtel Computer Systems are changing the landscape of the computer industry," said Michael Robertson, Chief Executive Officer of Lindows.com, Inc. "Microtel and LindowsOS are bridging the economical gap. Every family can have a viable computing solution in their home for the cost of a video game console and every business now has an affordable and easy-to-use option."
Robertson added: "We think its time that computers and computer software come down in price. When color televisions first hit the market only a few could afford them - now, it's commonplace for people to have multiple televisions in their homes. That same phenomenon should be taking place in the computer industry. Lindows.com's pricing and value will break down the high-price model -our pricing will prevent the monopoly from continuing." To read additional comments from Robertson, visit www.lindows.com/mm.
LindowsOS will be available on eight different Microtel computers each offering varying speeds and capabilities. The PCs come pre-installed with LindowsOS which include: an e-mail program, word processor, web browser/ file manager, address book, calculator, CD player, MP3 player, Microsoft(r) PowerPoint(r) Viewer, Microsoft(r) Word(r) Viewer, Microsoft(r) Excel(r) Viewer and an image viewer. See www.lindows.com/walmart for all product listings.
All purchasers of Microtel computers also get a free trial membership that will allow them access to the hundreds of applications in the Lindows.com Click-N-Run Warehouse (http://www.lindows.com/warehouse). The beauty of the Click-N-Run Warehouse is that users do not pay for each application they download. Instead, they enjoy unlimited access to all applications for one $99 dollar price. The Click-N-Run Warehouse Membership completely outfits a computer system for one-third the cost of an Office Suite (which typically costs $400) for one flat fee. Computer users at any skill level will find the programs to be diverse and easy to use. Find out more about Click-N-Run Warehouse by visiting http://www.lindows.com/warehouse.
"Working closely with Lindows.com, Inc., we've committed significant resources to Linux-based products in direct response to an increase in customer demand for Microsoft Windows alternatives," said Rich Hindman, Vice President of Microtel Computer Systems. "Microtel saw a need for another choice on the desktop and Lindows.com, with their solid business model and products, offered Microtel customers the most value for their dollar."
Hindman added: "Walmart.com is a perfect venue for Microtel machines and the LindowsOS operating system. Both Walmart.com and Microtel have identified a need for choice in the computer industry, hence the introduction of a Linux-based operating system on a great, affordable personal computer. This type of forward thinking puts the customers of Wal-Mart, Microtel and LindowsOS first.
Computer builders (including OEM's, System Builders, VAR's, White Box Manufacturers, System Integrators, Resellers) interested in shipping LindowsOS should email builders@lindows.com
To read additional information about the Lindows.com, Microtel and Walmart.com announcement, visit www.lindows.com/mm
To receive Lindows.com press releases or newsletters via email, visit http://www.lindows.com/mailing.
About Lindows.com, Inc.
Lindows.com is a consumer company that brings choice to computer users. Lindows.com, Inc. was started by Michael Robertson, founder and former CEO of MP3.com. LindowsOS is a modern, affordable, easy-to-use operating system that allows users access to hundreds of applications via the Click-N-Run(tm) Warehouse. All applications in the Click-N-Run Warehouse are licensed on a per-person or family basis and can be downloaded, installed and run with just one-mouse click.
About Microtel Computer Systems
Microtel Computer Systems through its built-to-order business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Microtel desktop PCs are sold through U.S. retailers, System Integrators, and VARS/VADS. Visit www.buymicrotel.com for more information.
Currently, this offer is limited to Walmart.com online purchases and not available through Wal-Mart stores.