| Linspire, Mirus partner on Linux-only desktop PCs |
Jan. 05, 2006
Linspire Inc. and Mirus Innovations LLC Wednesday announced the launch of Koobox, a new line of desktop computers that exclusively run Linux. Starting at $299 (sans monitor), the Koobox PCs come with Linspire's Linux 5.0 operating system. They also include the OpenOffice.org office suite, Firefox, and numerous other open-source programs.
"The Koobox line is unique in that all of the computers are optimized for utilizing Linux exclusively," said Linspire CEO Kevin Carmony.
"In fact, none of these machines even offer Microsoft Windows as an option, which is a new, bold step for a major OEM. The fact that Mirus has devoted an entire brand to desktop Linux shows just how much ground Linux is gaining," said Carmony.
The Koobox also comes with a one-year subscription to Linspire's CNR Gold Service. This is the equivalent of Linspire's Linspire Five-0 and a one-year CNR Gold subscription, which lists for $89.95.
The Koobox comes in three versions: a basic machine, multimedia machine with DVD player, and a high-performance machine.
The Essential Koobox comes with a CD-RW drive, five USB 2.0 ports (including a convenient front-side port), keyboard and optical mouse, and a pair of speakers. Under the hood, it has a 2 Ghz AMD Sempron 2800+ processor, 256MB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive, and onboard video and sound.
At $399, consumers may purchase the Multimedia Koobox, which has the Essential Koobox specs plus a 16x Dual Layer DVD+RW drive, 512 MB RAM, and 160 GB hard drive. For a processor, the Multimedia Koobox uses the 2GHz AMD Sempron 3000+.
The Performance Koobox, priced at $499, adds an AMD 64-bit Athlon 3000+ processor to the mix.
None of these systems come with a display. Mirus offers a choice of four monitors for a Koobox. These include a 17-inch CRT display and 15-inch to 19-inch LCD monitors.
All Koobox computers include a 90-day warranty, but for $29 users 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.
Linspire handles ordering and billing via its Linspire.com shopping cart, but the product is sold, shipped, and supported by Mirus.
Koobox computers are manufactured and shipped directly by Mirus, certified by Linspire, and tested to ISO 9001-certified standards, according to the companies. Mirus is backed by 15 years of service expertise with more than 4,000 certified engineers and technicians and has two call centers.
Historically, Linspire has worked with many smaller OEMs to bring consumers and the education market pre-configured Linux on PCs. However, this deal -- according to Linspire insiders -- is with its largest PC vendor to date.
"Consumers are demanding to have more choice in desktop Linux PCs," said Richard Shyu of Mirus. "By dedicating an entire line to desktop Linux, we're able to give consumers the choices they want with the sophisticated, complete end-user experience the Linspire Linux operating system brings to the home and institution PC market."
Availability
Kooboxes are available now, and may be ordered here.
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