WalMart’s Jedi mind trick: “These aren’t the PCs you’re looking for”

Jedimindtrick_2There’s a disturbance in WalMart this morning. It’s as if millions of computers dialed out and then were suddenly disconnected. I’ve searched my feelings and… actually came up empty. When I searched my RSS feeds however, I found that WalMart retail locations will no longer be carrying Linux-based Everex computers. So much for the low-priced, gOS-powered units like the CloudBook and gPC. You’ll still be able to get them online at WalMart.com, but that’s it. Apparent Jedi-master and WalMart spokesperson Melissa O’Brian commented on the low-cost Linux machines: “This really wasn’t what our customers were looking for.” No official word on if she mysteriously waved her hand in the air when making the statement.The low-cost items were a good fit for WalMart from a value perspective, but I sincerely doubt the majority of retail customers had a clue what Linux even was. I’m not knocking WalMart customers as I’m one myself; my point is that Linux is unfortunately not viewed as a mainstream operating system. Assuming I’m right, how successful could sales of Linux devices be in a mainstream discount store? Selling the devices there is a great idea, but one that the market isn’t ready for just yet.

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