Mirus, Linspire and AOpen Introduce $399 Mini Linux PC

1 January 1970

Linspire, Inc., developers of the leading consumer desktop Linux operating system, along with AOpen and Mirus Innovations, today announced the availability of the Linspire Mini Koobox, the first small form-factor Linux machine on the market. Starting at just $399 after $100 mail-in rebate, the Mini Koobox is based on an Intel platform built by AOpen and comes with the easy-to-use Linspire Linux operating system, which includes full Microsoft file-compatible office suite, DVD player and DVD-playing software, music and photo management software, Internet applications, e-mail and instant messaging capabilities. The Linspire Mini Koobox is now being sold online through Mirus Innovations as part of its Koobox line of desktop computers. For more information about the Mini Koobox, visit http://www.koobox.com.

"As the prices of desktop computers continues to drop, consumers are starting to bring multiple computers into their homes," said Kevin Carmony, president and CEO of Linspire, Inc. "However, low cost isn't the only consideration. As you add more computers to more rooms, space and aesthetics also start to become factors. Buying a low-priced Linux machine usually means you'll have to sacrifice on style and select from a limited supply. We developed the Mini Koobox with Mirus and AOpen because we know there is high consumer demand for ultra-compact home computers that not only look great and perform well, but also don't cost a fortune."

Measuring in at just 6.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches and 3.0 lbs., the basic configuration boasts a brushed matte-platinum case with clear blue plastic accents, slot-in slim CDRW/DVD combo drive with DVD-playing software, integrated Ethernet card, and is based on the Intel 915 chipset. To add to the streamlined aesthetic, ports are located in the back of the unit, including two USB 2.0 ports, one IEEE 1394 port (Firewire), speaker-out, S-video, and mic. The Mini Koobox also has a DVI monitor connector and includes a DVI-to-VGA adapter so that it can be connected to plasma-display or large-format monitors. Inside, the machine checks in with 256 MB DDR2 RAM, Intel Celeron M 370 1.5 Ghz processor, and a 40 GB hard drive.

Upgraded versions of the Mini Koobox are also available, including a version priced $499 after mail-in rebate with Intel Celeron M 370 processor, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB hard drive, and a CDRW/DVD combo drive. For $50 more, a third model priced at $549 after mail-in rebate includes an Intel Pentium M 725 1.6 Ghz processor. All Mini Koobox units come with a 15-day free subscription to Linspire's CNR software download service, plus keyboard, mouse and speakers. These Koobox models are aggressively priced, considering the Mac Mini starts at $599 for a basic configuration that does not include a keyboard, mouse, or speakers. Complete system specifications and a comparison chart on Mini Koobox options are available at http://www.koobox.com.

The Mini Koobox features the stable and secure Linux-based operating system from Linspire, which comes complete with major desktop applications, including OpenOffice.org (a Microsoft file-compatible office suite); Web browser, e-mail and instant messaging clients; multimedia viewers; photo and music managers; calendaring tools; and more. Access to additional software and applications is available through Linspire's innovative CNR ("click and run") Warehouse, a software library where users can download and install thousands of Linux and open source programs. For more information about Linspire, visit http://www.linspire.com.

"Right out of the box, you can use the Mini Koobox to do everything you've been doing on your existing Windows machine -- without buying extra software," Carmony added. "Average home computer users don't need to spend thousands on a fancy computer just to browse the Internet, send email, share photos or do basic office functions. The Mini Koobox is the perfect second, third or fourth computer for your home, apartment or dorm."

In addition, consumers who are interested in switching to Linspire Linux from a Windows system can take advantage of several tools to make the transition, including software such as Win4Lin and Crossover Office, which allow key Windows software to run under Linspire Linux, and a desktop migration tool called Versora that allows easy transfer of files, bookmarks, and programs from Windows to Linspire. Win4Lin, Crossover Office and Versora are all available for Linspire users through the CNR Warehouse (http://www.linspire.com/cnr).

The Linspire Mini Koobox, like other Koobox computers sold by Mirus, includes a 90-day warranty, but for only $29 consumers can purchase an optional premium warranty with toll-free support and replacement parts. Other expanded warranty options are available as well, including on-site technical support. For warranty details, see http://www.koobox.com.

Koobox computers are built by AOpen, manufactured and shipped directly by Mirus, fully certified by Linspire and tested by quality of standards that are ISO 9001 certified and 100 percent compliant with industry standards.

Pricing and Availability

The Linspire Mini Koobox is now available through Mirus as part of their Koobox line of desktop computers. The basic version is $399 after $100 manufacturer's mail-in rebate, and upgraded versions with enhanced memory and hard drive capacities are available starting at $499. Details on all available specifications and information for system builders who are interested in selling the Linspire Mini Koobox are available at http://www.koobox.com.

About Linspire, Inc.

Linspire, Inc. (http://www.linspire.com) was founded in 2001 to bring choice into the operating system market. The company's flagship product, the Linspire operating system, is an affordable, easy-to-use Linux-based operating system for home, school, and business users. Linspire pioneered CNR ("click and run") Technology, which allows Linspire users access to thousands of software programs, each of which can be downloaded and installed with just one mouse click. The thousands of software titles available in the CNR Warehouse (http://www.linspire.com/cnr) include full office and productivity suites, games, multimedia players, photo management software, accounting tools, and more.

About Mirus Innovations

Mirus Innovations, a value-added manufacturer of computer products, strives to bring innovative digital lifestyle experiences to end users. Its products for consumers and small businesses include high-value, low-cost personal and mobile computing solutions, as well as On-Site and Life-Time Tech Support options. Its products are installed in hundreds of thousands of households and small businesses throughout North America.

About AOpen

Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, with AOpen America's headquarters in San Jose, California, AOpen Inc. is the world's largest total PC component solutions manufacturer and a member of an $18-billion technology group. Leveraging more than 28 years of technology manufacturing experience and more than 1,000 Group patents, AOpen designs, manufactures and markets high-quality, state-of-the-art motherboards; housings; small-form-factor bare systems; VGA cards; white-box notebooks; optical drives; multimedia headsets and headphones; multimedia and network solutions; as well as numerous other PC component products sold through VARs to institutional, corporate, education and government customers, and via retailers to small business and end-user customers.

For more information, please contact:

Aurelia Negrerie

Linspire, Inc.

858-587-6700 x283

858-587-8095 Fax

pr@linspire.com

Linspire, Koobox, CNR, and CNR Warehouse are trademarks of Linspire, Inc. All other marks herein are property of their respective owners. Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Kevin Carmony http://profnet.prnewswire.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=10004897

Source: prnewswire

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