| HP unveils 4-user computer with MandrakeLinux |
Jul. 15, 2004
HP has introduced a multi-user desktop PC with MandrakeLinux. Dubbed the "441" solution, the concept system can be used by four users simultaneously.
This new PC, available from HP for 'emerging markets' targets the education market and ships with productivity applications including OpenOffice.org, educational software, developer tools, and role-based customized graphical user interfaces. The 441 boasts cost savings at 50% of acquisition costs and 65% of maintenance costs, according to the HP website.
"This 441 HP concept with MandrakeLinux is a proof that the IT TCO can be reduced by an important factor, for 0 acquisition costs and maintenance costs as well", said François Bancilhon, CEO. France's MandrakeSoft said in a statement that their Linux OS was selected "for its increased reliability and enhanced security to minimize the maintenance of the computer in the classroom."
The HP machines use either an Intel Celeron or Pentium 4 processor, with minimum 512MB of RAM, a 40GB hard drive, a CDROM drive, and four graphics cards. Full technical specifications are here.
The HP 441 was was first introduced in South-African schools, and is expected to debut in several other developing countries later this year.
Full pricing details are not available from HP, but reports say the cost per seat in the South African program are US $400 per user, or US $1600 per system.
Last July HP Compaq Business Desktops began shipping with a choice of Mandrake 9.1 or Microsoft Windows preinstalled. Targeting small- and medium-sized business (SMB), the d220 Microtower was priced from US $349.
MandrakeLinux is also being used as the basis for other innovative low cost computing strategies. Last month, the company teamed Nexedi, offering a Linux desktop with zero transition costs using rentalinux Desktop Linux Server (DLS). The two companies are providing a solution to deploy MandrakeLinux free of any upfront investment and with minimal disruption. According to Nexedi, rentalinux requires no software installation and no changes to existing hardware or networks.
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