In a move anticipated since rumors of talks leaked out last month, MandrakeSoft issued a press release today announcing the availability of PC's at Wal-Mart's internet division with Mandrake Linux preloaded. This move follows Wal-Mart's earlier offering of PC's with LindowsOS pre-installed last month.
The PC's range in price from just below $400 for a 900 MHz AMD Duron-based system to $700 for a very nicely equipped Intel Pentium 4 2 GHz system. The systems also include 128 megabytes of RAM, a 40 GB hard disk, and either a CD-ROM or CD-RW drive. A monitor is not included in the package.
In the announcement, MandrakeSoft's CEO Jacques Le Marois said, “This partnership with Microtel & Walmart.com is an important step in the growing worldwide adoption of Mandrake Linux as an alternative operating system, particularly in the USA.” Microtel's Rich Hindman also commented, noting “Microtel Computer Systems preloaded with Mandrake Linux operating system will answer a growing demand for affordable and powerful systems. … Walmart.com has identified a need for choice in the computer industry and once again is bringing choice to the customer by offering computers pre-installed with MandrakeSoft Linux operating system to address the growing Linux market.”
The systems are immediately available from WalMart.com. You can find a complete listing of Wal-Mart's Mandrake-based systems in their computers section.