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Major OEM Launches First-Ever Line of PCs Dedicated Exclusively to Linux

Posted on: Wednesday, 4 January 2006, 06:00 CST

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Linspire, Inc. and Mirus Innovations today announced the launch of Koobox, the first-ever line of desktop computers offered by a major OEM to exclusively run Linux. Starting at just $299, the Koobox machines come outfitted with a complete Linspire Linux operating system, including a Microsoft Office file-compatible office suite, Internet browser, email, IM client, media players, and a photo manager -- the equivalent of hundreds of dollars worth of software. Three versions of the Koobox are available, including a basic machine, multimedia machine with DVD player and a high-performance machine. For details, visit http://www.koobox.com/.

"The Koobox line is unique in that all of the computers are optimized for utilizing Linux exclusively," said Kevin Carmony, CEO of Linspire, Inc. "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."

Three versions of the Koobox are available, giving consumers the option to pick the PC that's right for them. At $299, the Essential Koobox is just right for basic computing -- a perfect student machine or second home computer. The machine comes complete with CDRW drive, 5 USB ports, including a convenient front-side port, Internet keyboard and optical mouse, and 2W speakers. Inside, the machine rounds out with an AMD Sempron processor, 256 MB RAM, 40 GB hard drive, and onboard video and sound networks.

For $399, consumers may purchase the Multimedia Koobox, which features the Essential Koobox specs plus DVD player software, a 16x Dual Layer DVD+RW drive, 512 MB RAM, and 160 GB hard drive. The Performance Koobox, priced at $499, adds a super-fast AMD 64-bit Athlon 3000+ Processor to the mix. All machines come with the full Linspire operating system, including complete OpenOffice.org office suite, virus filtering and Web protection software.

All Koobox computers include 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 specifically 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. Backed by 15 years of service expertise with more than 4,000 certified engineers and technicians, as well as two call centers, Mirus provides a stable and reliable source for Koobox customers.

"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."

To purchase a Koobox, visit 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 more than 2,400 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.

For more information, please contact: Heather MacKenzie Linspire, Inc. 858-587-6700 x263 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

Linspire, Inc.

CONTACT: Heather MacKenzie of Linspire, Inc., +1-858-587-6700, ext. 263,or fax, +1-858-587-8095, pr@linspire.com

Web site: http://www.linspire.com/

Web site: http://www.linspire.com/cnr

Web site: http://www.koobox.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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