Wal-Mart beats Best Buy with $298 laptop

Is $299 too much for a laptop? Wal-Mart has answered Best Buy's $299 laptop challenge with a $298 offer.

Wal-Mart's $298 laptop.

(Credit: Wal-Mart)

"For the first time, a 3GB memory laptop from a well-known brand has ventured below $300," Wal-Mart said in a statement Thursday.

Starting July 26 (this coming Sunday), Wal-Mart will begin selling a $298 Compaq Presario notebook (CQ60-419WM) with the following specifications: a 15.6-inch display, 3GB of memory, a 160GB hard-disk drive, a CD-DVD drive, and Windows Vista pre-loaded. The laptop will use a 2.10 GHz AMD Sempron SI-42 processor and Nvidia GeForce 8200M graphics.

The $1 discount gets you a Compaq-branded laptop versus the Acer (subsequently sold out) from Best Buy. And the Compaq bests Acer with 3GB of memory versus 2GB.

A Wal-Mart blog said that quantities "are limited and will begin selling at 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 26," adding parenthetically, "May want to pass that along because we expect this one will be quite popular."

Wal-Mart will also begin offering, on the same day, a 15.6-inch Acer ultrathin laptop for $548. The AS5810-4657 model will sport Windows Vista Home Premium (qualified for free Windows 7 upgrade); an Intel ULV (ultra low voltage) SU2700 processor; 3GB memory; a 320GB hard-disk drive; and "all-day" eight-hour battery life, according to a Wal-Mart statement.

In August, Wal-Mart will sell the new 10.1-inch HP Mini 110-131NR Netbook too.

[sgirard]

And the PC makers keep beating each up over price to the benefit of Microsoft.

[ikramerica--2008]

And making no money, while Apple sells at a premium, ignores the ultracheap processors, and makes huge profits. A race to the bottom is not a race all companies should endeavor to win.

Of note, these uber cheap but full featured laptops are still more capable than Atom or NVidia based netbooks, and will erode further that bubble market.

[Random_Walk]

"...to the benefit of Microsoft."

I doubt the last part. Not because Microsoft is evil or whatever, but because of simple economics: It's hard to hide a (stab-guess) $50 per-seat license of Vista Home inside of a ~$300 price.

Also, if Windows OEMs continue racing to the bottom, it will cripple them to the point where they will either seek (or in Dell's case, bolster) alternative OSes to help ease margin pressures, and/or Microsoft will have to drop the price to help keep their own sales revenues afloat.

If I were Microsoft, I would be doing my level best to help keep OEM prices high, so that they don't show up in contract meetings and start using the word "Linux" as a weapon. Worse, the OEMs could simply sell their computers bare-bones, and charge extra for Windows, thus shattering the illusion among users that Windows is "free" with the computer. That in turn will force users to re-evaluate whether or not Windows is worth the extra cost.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@Random_Walk:

You keep forgetting that Walmart, king of retailers, has been down this Linux road before. When the lowest Windows laptop was still $700-1000, they offered a $300 Linux powered laptop. They even offered the Linspire series.

Did they succeed?

No.

They did this twice and both times when customers were given the choice of a cheap laptop with Linux over a more expensive laptop with Windows, consumers voted with their wallets.

Think about it- if you buy a Linux laptop, none of the software sold in the store works with it. Yes, you can run it in emulation and there are tricks and tips to make it work, but the consumer doesn't know that. They only see the software box says it needs Windows and... well, Linux isn't it. That's a bad perception but accurate one.

Now when you have a Windows laptop that is cheap and comes with Windows, the consumer may have that choice again... but nothing has changed on the Linux side. The software sold in the store STILL doesn't work with the OS. Unless the box stores start offering packaged Linux software applications, then uninformed customers are unlikely to make that choice.

Walmart tried it twice and each time it failed. Netbook OEM's have tried offering Linux and then found consumers chose XP over it.

I'm not saying what you are hoping isn't possible, but history sure doesn't seem to support it.

[thelemurking]

ikramerica... if it wasn't for the iPhone and the iPod, Apple would not be where they are today. They had to drop the price of the Macbook to sell it in larger quantities because, let's be honest, people just weren't buying them in this economy. Apple is completely riding on the tails of the iPhone and iPod... to say otherwise, is kind of delusional! I would imagine the Macbook Pros, iMacs and Mac Pro sales have been fairly flat with only perhaps a marginal increase.

Other than that, even at sub $300 I would not buy this because of the Semperon processor... just as I would not buy anything with a Celeron. I would rather drop another $100 and get a dual core machine. I suppose for $298 with 3gb of ram and a Semperon processor, it would be a great little box to slap Ubuntu on.

[krosafcheg]

@Vegaman_Dan

The funny thing is, even though it's still running Windows... It's Vista, there're probably a handful of software titles and devices on walmart's shelves that won't work properly on it, and forget about running half of the games for sale there on it, it's woefully underpowered for that.

[viper396]

@krosafcheg. Stop exagerating. While this laptop certainly won't run a AAA title like Cysis at it's maximum settings there are still plenty of games on the shelves that will run. Have you even been in a Walmart lately?

[rbanffy]

Vegaman: Let's put your belief people don't want Linux laptops into perspective.

When stores sell Linux-based laptops, they tend to sell only the worst possible models with it. I don't know exactly why they do it, because Linux can use memory and extra cores much better than Windows, but I digress.

When someone buys a Linux-based computer with a good brand Linux (say, Ubuntu or Fedora) they get:

- Mind-blowing eye-candy (via Compiz-Fusion) on computers that can't even run Vista's Aero
- A decent Office suite (OpenOffice)
- A decent browser (Firefox)
- A stable and virus proof environment (yes - virus proof - I dare you to find a Linux virus out there)
- A CD/DVD burner
- A media player that syncs with most media players, including Zunes and iPods
- A rock-solid server-grade nearly unbreakable OS that updates itself and all the programs you install on it, automatically

And, if the user knows a little more (as to open the package installer) he will get:

- Access to at least another office suite, perhaps two, plus added modules for the one already installed
- A couple other browsers in case he doesn't like Firexox
- A decent Windows emulation layer (Wine)
- Codecs for all video and audio formats you never even imagine existed, fully integrated into the desktop, including previews in the icons
- and lots more.

Really... Only stupidity and lack of knowledge can explain someone prefering a Windows computer.

Last time I went shopping, I got a Windows box because there was nothing in the same league that came pre-installed with Linux. It took me 20 minutes to install Ubuntu and put it to work.

There will always be more dumb people than smart people. It only makes sense for manufacturers to address the larger audience.

[krosafcheg]

@viper396

Heh, yeah. I may have exaggerated a bit, but there's some truth there. But I probably wouldn't ever buy a computer or any software at walmart, therefore I've never looked at that stuff specifically. CD-R's, DVD+R's, batteries and inkjet paper are about all I buy in there.

[solitare_pax]

Computer operating systems are like ice cream - everyone carries vanilla and chocolate. And the masses like either vanilla or chocolate. And generally, people are more prone to get chocolate because of all the products that advertise chocolate.

But when you offer someone something like "Cow Pie" - that's a local ice cream that is double-dutch chocolate with chocolate cookie dough and chocolate chips mixed in - they look at you like you're a weirdo and go right back to their boring old chocolate ice cream that could be scooped out of the bottom of a cheap store-brand container.

They don't want a surprise.

That's the sort of mentality that helps keep Microsoft and the cheapo PCs alive and well.

What I am wondering - really - is how many if any of these alleged $298 computers will actually be available?

[MeepMan]

Ubuntu Jaunty is great. It is fully capable of standing up to Vista except that Wine doesn't do well at running CD software. I couldn't get it to run a retarded Robots (movie tie-in) game from 2 years ago, let alone something as big as MS's Zoo Tycoon series. I shouldn't expect it to, though. I am very satisfied with it on a back-up computer, though. I put it on an ancient Win98 box and it runs better with Jaunty than with Win98. Impressive. I'm probably going to try again on the games, though.

[mikekrause]

It's worth the extra buck just to avoid the sights and smells of a Wal-Mart!

[paulej]

As if those security guards at the door of Best Buy who will yank bags right out of your hand if they suspect you stole something is better? I witnessed just such an event. The lady had a look on her face as if a purse snatcher just robbed her. Oh, and we can't forget the guy who paid his bill with $2 bills and then got handcuffed to a pole for hours until the US Secret Service could verify that the bills were genuine. While I didn't see that one, the stories posted on the various news sites are consistent with Best Buy's security antics.

[viper396]

@paulej. Of course everything one reads on the internet is true. I'm suprised you didn't add the usual "I have a friend..." or "I know someone..." prefix to you're own story.

[baconstang]

Do they have a tech help counter at WalMart?

[Dalkorian]

I disagree - it's worth a hundred bucks to not have to deal with prostitute mart. ANYTHING is better.

[eeee]

WalMrt is the enemy; their insistence on the "lowest price" from their suppliers has caused the loss of hundreds of thousands,if not millions of USA jobs to China, Viet Nam, India, and other dirt poor labor rate countries that are ruled by dictators who would rather start a riot to reduce overpopulation than see that their citizens receive decent working conditions

[Sam Papelbon]

best buy has a walled off check out area that always has someone standing watch. the guard at the door is mainly only to deter people from just walking straight out the door with a package. if you come from the direction of the checkout area, it would be pretty obvious that you've paid for your items. your anecdotes must be a few years old?

[ogman]

Took the words right off my keyboard. A dollar to NOT go to Walmart is the biggest bargain around.

[johnsbrn1]

$1 is not nearly enough to get me to go into a Walmart store. I think they have a policy that states that no matter how busy (or not busy) the store is, they can never have enough checkout people to meet the demand.

[terminalblue]

i am pretty sure that the picture is of a 17" laptop (note the number pad)

also...i would never buy a blanket from wal-mart, let alone a computer.

[rexworld]

I've got a 15.6" Acer and it has the keyboard / number pad duo as well. You'd be surprised just how wide a 15" laptop can be when that 15 inches is a widescreen aspect ratio. Plenty of room for the full keyboard and the separate number pad.

[pithenumber]

numpads are pretty common on 15.6 inch laptops
remember, its a widescreen

[terminalblue]

ok then...it just seems like it would be pretty cramped...i have a 17" and it has plenty of space and man sized keys...but i guess it works out for you guys

[mike_ekim]

You've missed the point.

Best Buy and Wal Mart are getting a lot of free press and a they are making lot of shoppers interested in buying a laptop. They are offering a few cheap laptops tha twill be quickly sold out, and then many people will buy the more expensive laptops.

It's not 'driving prices down', it's a marketing gimmick. It happens most every year at the back to school season and again around christmas.

[rexworld]

I bought a $299 Acer 15.6" laptop a couple weeks ago when Staples advertised it in their weekly circular. For day-to-day use it's a perfectly acceptable laptop, fast enough and capable enough to do everything I want in terms of ordinary business usage (word processing, browsing the web, a little HTML editing, etc.).

What all the sub-$300 laptops do is re-set the pricepoint that consumers expect. Since buying this $299 laptop, I don't know that I'd be willing to spend any more than that when the time comes to replace it.

But I wonder if these companies can really make much money at those price-points. Seems like they might be slitting their own throats rather than hurting their competitor.

[chrisx1]

So what? The have "limited quantities." Maybe they will only have enough to last for 5 minutes after the store openings and this is just a publicity stunt.
If they plan on keeping it in stock and backfilling what gets sold, then it may be a good deal.

[vaf5136]

I just left there and there were 4 people on line at cust. service where they were selling them. They had about 40 or 50 machines stacked up in the corner. There was no hustle and no bustle. In and out in 10 minutes. No one must have known about it.

[AppleSuxLeo]

Did they clear that with "Apple Legal" ?

[damiandennison]

there is a term in the business world for what both Wal Mart and Bestbuy does. They advertise the cheap item or put it at the front of the store but when you get there and look at it, almost right beside it is another item that is selling for a little bit more and so on and so on and 8 out of 10 people will not buy the cheap one but end out buying the one with a higher profit margin or buy something else all together. This is business.


I also have to agree with thelemurking about apple. If it was not for the ipod and iphone they would be in trouble again.

A old friend told be about the water beds when they first came out they where selling them really cheap and they would not sell all they did was increase the price and they sold out.
I also read about RIM and when they just come to market their products was much cheaper than they are now and they had to increase the price to convince people to buy them.

What I have seen is most people have this perception on price and quality and what I can tell you is, it is not everything expensive is good and not everything cheap is good. Do you think apple would have had the run away success they have had with the iphone if the first one cost $99? I do not think so, just look at their Mac mini that's a really big seller.

It may come as a surprise to allot of people but there are allot of people who do not have a computer because they can not afford it, some times a $10 decrease in price is a decision maker for most.

[MaLvaDo39]

Actually, the Mac desktop and notebooks are selling extremely well with YOY growth that's outpacing the PC industry.

Please do some research about Apple before you go talking about how their business is doing. You won't have to look far, either. Right here,on CNet 2 days ago came this report:

"Mac sales were very impressive for the quarter. Data provided by market research firm IDC showed the entire PC industry down more than 3 percent for April, May, and June, but Apple sold 4 percent more computers this quarter than it did during the same quarter in 2008. The company's laptops were responsible for that surge: MacBook and MacBook Pro shipments were up 13 percent."

So, no, it's not just riding the coat tails of the iPod and iPhone.

In this horrible economy, where I just got laid-off from HP, Apple is posting record numbers. Also, from the same article:

"Revenue came in at $8.34 billion, resulting in earnings of $1.35 per share. That's a 12 percent increase from a year ago, when Apple reported earnings of $7.46 billion and earnings per share of $1.19. Analysts were expecting $1.17 in earnings per share and revenues of $8.2 billion. The quarter ended June 27 was the best nonholiday quarter in terms of revenue and earnings for Apple--a bar that had been newly set during the previous quarter."

[jklank]

@MaLvaDo39

That's because most everyone already has a PC that lasts them a couple of years. The percentages mean squat when you look at total ownership.

No one in their right mind, unless they have a very specific reason, would pay extra for an Apple in this market. Sure, it looks pretty, and it is easy to use for "noobs". But the price of software is hire. The price of expansions for it (go to Best Buy - look on the shelf in the apple section at how much the "apple branded" memory costs and the regular laptop memory costs - because you know a BB/Apple employee will only push the apple-branded overpriced crap) are outrageous.

Apple would be better served making OSX work with certain stuff, and/or partner with Dell, HP, etc, to make OSX work on their systems, and then give folks the option of buying the OS.

Apple would make far more money from that, than they do in annual sales of their overpriced pieces of commodity hardware in pretty white boxes and souped up LianLi cases.

Here at work I might be getting a 17" unibody MBP...and I'll install Win 7 on it just to **** off you Apple fanbois ;)

[carltonleesg]

I just wanted to attack the, "Walmart tried it comments." Frankly if you didn't know it, the "Walmart tried it", route almost gets you the "Obligatory Windows Fan Boy" title. Which you may richly deserve, my apologies if not!.

But in Walmart fashion, did any of you see them merchandising them with say a pile of desktop boxes 10 high, 10 deep and 20 wide. (That is 2000). I didn't.

I live outside the United States but come back for vacation and on business. Being unfanboyish I'll tell you exactly where my Linux in Walmart sightings were supposed to take place.

Florida! (7 days). Maybe not the most high tech area of the U.S and in the area around the City's of Ocala and Gainsville. During one of the periods when Walmart was making its BIG BIG LINUX push I visited as many Walmarts in that area as I was able. The total number of Linux machines on offer was zero and quite frankly there wasn't much Microsoft on offer either. On speaking with store personnel the answer was, uh! wha whats Linux!!! December.

United States! End of November beginning of December.
That correct I've got you! That year we drove from San Fran, to New York (10 days) and then to Florida (2 days). I do enjoy driving. Checking wireless and LINUX in Walmart. In visiting dozens of Walmarts. (NO LINUX!)

Nuff said!

My experience, yours may differ.

[Markus644]

@rbanffy

"Only stupidity and lack of knowledge can explain someone prefering a Windows computer."
"There will always be more dumb people than smart people. It only makes sense for manufacturers to address the larger audience."

The sanctimonious nature of these comments only serves to highlight the yawning chasm of understanding between the unwashed neckbeard masses flogging Linux, and consumers. Joe/Jane Consumer cares about the relative merits of various audio codecs, browsers wars and flavours of media player about as much as they care about the relative merits of the brands of the transistors used in the manufacture of their toaster & dishwasher. Which is to say, not at all.

For the majority of people, a computer is an appliance that allows them to perform certain functions, not unlike how a dishwasher allows their cutlery to become all nice 'n shiny. They don't care about its component parts and software, and nor should they. It's a device. They don't care about furthering the open source revolution through the adoption of Linux anymore than they care about the inner workings of their fridge's compressor. They just want it to work.

So to call them "stupid" for not wanting to become acquainted with the inner workings of yet another appliance in their house (and not even an expensive one at that) is just condescending. It betrays a lack of understanding about why and how the vast majority of consumers use a household computer.

It's an appliance.

[reya276]

Right you could say that and I can agree 100% but I think what he meant is that consumers should be smart consumers not stupid ones. So you took his whole entire comment and gave it a spin going at about 5000mph. Sure most consumers see their PCs as an appliance including myself but I'm a smart consumer which is why I choose Ubuntu/Linux or a MAC. Ubuntu/Linux because is a very secure solid OS, is pretty much FREE of charge and it Works for my needs(I can care less of its inner workings). The MAC OS because the damn thing works unlike Windows(does not matter what version) and is pretty and sits atop solid hardware. So would you say I care about the gadgets and the inner workings or would you call me a Smart consumer. I tend to think I'm a smart consumer because there is no way in hell you will ever see me pay $199 for Windows 7 Home Premium nor a PC with it.
I will hunt down for the best prices and best OS for my needs. So that is exactly what he meant by DUMB and SMART consumers and the reason why the OEMs target the DUMB ones. It has nothing to do with consumers not wanting to know the ins and outs of the OS; its about not wasting money that you don't have to waste unless you are ultra rich like Stevie Balllmer and Billy Gates. So I think is more safe to call them LAZY consumers and the OEMs bank on them.

[Inconnux]

Its too bad that it comes with Vista.

[jwilson00m1]

I recently put Jaunty Jackalope on an old Toshiba Tecra A2 to see what it was about. I have to say that after a couple of days trying to get it to work with my old Nikon Coolpix 995 and iPod Mini 4gb that I was pretty frustrated. I had to spend a fair amount of time on Google and copy and past code into the terminal application to get it to add applications etc. I looked for VLC on the list of apps and that wasn't there, I looked for Firefox 3.5 and it was under a weird name. Overall it was frustrating. If the Linux community wants to compete against Windows and OS X in the general consumer market I think they'll have to make it easier to add applications and do away with any need for terminal commands. Maybe Ubuntu 10 will do it better.

[reya276]

Go ahead and try installing a Retail(Not OEM) version of Windows on that same PC/laptop and watch what happens you'll be in a world of hurt buddy.

[jwilson00m1]

Agreed. It was much easier to start while holding the 0 button, start from factory and just download the updates and erase the bloat with CCleaner, fairly painless but I'm familiar with it. I suppose if an OEM Linux machine made it that easy it would probably do well. I'd have to say my best experience with that has been with Apple's OS X. Only problems I've run into is when HP fails to update software for their older stuff to work in Leopard. That is pretty lame. I can print but scanning is out. From what I've been reading Linux would offer something that could make the TWAIN device work on the old PSC 2200 but figuring out how to find it and install it without a set of terminal commands may prove daunting.

[carltonleesg]

Thanks for not be the, "Obligatory Windows Fan Boy". But your almost the OWFB.

In order "old Toshiba Tecra A2". I have a 1 year old EeePC and one of the three usb ports no longer works. (Just pointing out my #1 end user resolution for problems with Linux.) Never seems to occur to users that old means old.

Nikon Coolpix 995 refer to #1 above. The 995 has been working with Linux in the past. Try Ubuntu's Netbook remix or another remix. Note: Netbook means Laptop, duh! Marketing. I've used the remix on Desktops and it worked fine. You've tried Serial as well as USB? The CompactFlash card doesn't work in a reader? Unless you are using it for taking live image there must be a solution there.

iPod. Frankly I don't care. Your not a paying customer. Buy a more open device in the future. It probably won't work with Window 8 or Mac OS 14 either. But. http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=906217 and http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=103071, you are a human being and I value you as such and will try to help you! (Time being a factor).

VLC I have no clue what your problem is. Works for me! Just did a fresh install. This will earn you an OWFB almost. Refer to OWFB above. (After fresh install or not! From menu choose System - Administration - Synaptic Package Manager. In Quick Seach [ ], type: vlc and click Search.

Firefox 3.5. Again! I have no clue what your problem is. Works for me! Just did a fresh install. Refer to OWFB almost above. (After fresh install or not! From menu choose - System - Administration - Synaptic Package Manager. In Quick Seach [ ], type: firefox 3.5 and click Search. Choose [ ] firefox-3.5. (What is weird about that?)

All the answers above require 1 hr research. At no point did I use the command line to apply the solutions. On second though you must be an "Obligatory Windows Fan Boy."

For all you who are not using Linux but are thinking about trying it out you can safely ignore jwilson00m1 he is full of *&)(*&. Sorry can't type it. You know just think it out.

Thanks,

[jwilson00m1]

@Carltonleesg. Thanks for the tips, the OWFB comments notwithstanding. It would seem people who are dealing with a new set of rules can benefit from a guru. What seems so obvious to a seasoned pro isn't so to a newbie. The use of the different remixes is something that could be put into some sort of installer wizard, that way a person who has never used open source before could get the best remix for their machine (if using on a netbook/notebook select A, etc.). The use of the Synaptic Package Manager sounds powerful. The firefox name weirdness had to do with the codename it was developed under, Shiretoko. After some searching that became evident. The problem mainly stemmed from the previous experience of the user. Usually when one wants an application, one goes to the website of the developer, downloads said app, double clicks on the installer and after ignoring all the warnings of imminent danger - Voila! The rules change with Linux, at least with the version I tried. It seemed like it needed to be streamlined more to be popular with a population of consumers that has already been trained in Windows or OS X at school or at work. I get that it is safer because it doesn't allow access to just any application and that is good, but it may hinder its popularity.

[mjw149]

How overstocked are 15" windows notebooks? A $300 mainstream notebook is a cry for help. Netbooks have completely killed the low end notebook market.

And I know personally, I'm not buying anything that big for a notebook again. The largest one I'll consider is a 13" macbook.

[aazippo1]

That is absolutely amazing! My wife is going to go get one and try it.

RT
www.privacy-tools.tk

Why do certain posters feel the need to take other posters comments so personal. Some people may not have the time or resources to acquaint themselves with various hardwares and softwares. For those attacking posters, next time take the high road and share some of your knowledge on whatever is the matter at hand. You'll feel better about yourself and might just become someones hero.

[PSU09]

Best Buy will match any price, so this does nothing. All the customer has to do is bring in the price from Walmart and Best Buy will match it. Done. This makes this article pointless

[dnetsoftware]

price matching isn't always what it seems to be. Best Buy doesn't carry this laptop so they can't match the price. Read the fine print.

I have to disagree and agree with certain posts here. First off, some people don't the time to do 1 hour of research to get Ubuntu to work with your device/software/codec. Sometimes we just want things to work. I have a few *NIX boxes at home, that I can play with and not worry about them not working. But at work, I need something that I don't have to constantly play with, I just need it to WORK. And furthermore, I am a programmer that programs M$'s proprietary framework, .NET. *NIX solutions are available, but I don't really want to be bothered.

Would I buy this laptop? No, it's not powerful enough for my needs. Nor is the screen size big enough for the real estate I use daily. But would I suggest it for a computer illiterate 50-something that has never had a computer and wants to surf the web for his local teams baseball scores? Sure would. Now, If he wants to be able to set up a VPN to his BlackBerry so he can remote into his computer and do file transfers to the Pentagon? I'll gladly install Red Hat for him.

OS'es are entirely needs based, and this laptop is based on the needs of it's consumer, not the overall market.

[meffertf]

Here we go again. An article about laptops and the OS zealots come out of the woodwork. As someone that has been using numerous flavors of Windows and Unix/Linux for many years now, both personally and professionally (yeah I mostly code for Windows because 99% of my customer base uses it), the only thing I have to contribute is this:

My mom, who, if I hadn't bought and set up a DVD player for her years ago, would still have a VCR blinking 12:00 by her TV, uses a computer every day, currently running Vista. She buys one every couple years from Best Buy, Wal Mart, wherever, on her own.

She takes it home, plugs it in, turns it on, and gets online to look at pictures of her grandkids, to email the family, read news, upload pictures from her camera, play games, whatever.

It keeps her connected to the world and her family (scattered about the world). She couldn't care less about the eye candy of Compiz-Fusion or Vista Aero, Wordpad is good enough for her, IE gets to the sites she wants to get to without having to install something else, syncing up with a media player, or the religions windbags that constantly feel the need to puff up and brag about the advantages of theirs and the disadvantages of the other.

Does that make her lazy? Does that make her dumb? Does that make her a Windows "freak"?

I say no. She started with Windows, it worked for her, she doesn't have to do anything out of the box (I did write down the instructions on how to download and install the free Anti-Vir app after she buys a new machine and how to set it up to auto-update).

I've mentioned the advantages of going to something like Ubuntu to her, and the money she could save, but she's in her mid-60's now, and she simply doesn't want to or feel the need to switch her ways and learn how to install and configure an OS, then learn something new and unfamiliar.

Again, for more technically inclined people like you or me, this discussion will likely never end, we like to tweak and take apart the toaster even if we burn some bread and ourselves in the process. We can always buy more bread or another toaster.

But for those that just want to put bread in and get toast, who cares whether the heating elements are made of ceramic or silicon carbide?

They just want toast.

And a sub-300 dollar laptop. Even if it is tained with evil.

[mcflyer54]

I believe that these lesser equpted models serve a purpose and actually have a function but I think the bigger picture here is that neither store (Wal-Mart or Best Buy) ever have sufficient units to meet the demand. Read the disclaimers in the ads they usually state "limited supply no rainchecks", "at least 2 per store", "200 chain wide" or some other such foolishness to cover their butts when the third customer in the door is told the item has sold out and is directed to a more expensive model (of which there are always plenty in stock). It use to be called bait and switch but now retailers are smart enough to have at least the advertised minimum on hand when they unlock the door to avoid legal action for a deceptive and, at least in Ohio, illegal practice. Other than a closeout store why would any retailer spend their advertising dollars on limited supply items? Because their hope is to up sell to a higher priced (and usually better quality) item once the cheaper item, of which there was insufficient quantity, is sold out.

[setjeff15081947]

Oh yeah, I?m going to run right out to my local Wal-Mart, and fight with all those church-goers, on Sun, 26-Jul-2009 @ 08:00, to get a laptop that?s built from spit and baling wire, so I?ll have to buy their high profit extended warranty and submit 5.249 rebate forms to get the advertised price.
Is my room at the local mental hospital ready?