Walmart.com and Linspire on Monday introduced a Linux-based laptop priced at $498.

    BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- There's a new laptop available and it's cheap, really cheap. Walmart.com and Linspire on Monday introduced a Linux-based laptop priced at $498.

    Dubbed Balance, the computer is loaded with the Linspire operating system and the OpenOffice.org office suite.  

    The companies said Balance is the cheapest laptop currently available with an operating system and an office suite.

    It features a VIA C3 1-GHz processor, 128MB RAM, a 30GB hard drive, a CD-ROM drive and a 14.1-inch liquid crystal display. The software includes a built-in firewall to protect users from viruses, spam and pop-ups.

    The laptop launch serves as part of Wal-Mart's efforts to promote low-priced consumer electronics.

    The Balance laptop is available at Wal-Mart's Web site. Enditem

(Agencies)