walmart on SWiK

Walmart Launches Classified Listings

Fri, 30 May 2008 11:41:24 -0700

Walmart has added a classified listings service to their site. Silicon Valley startup Oodle, which was founded in 2004, is powering the service.

The listings are free, which means Walmart is likely doing the deal to generate page views and advertising impressions. They also now compete with both Craigslist and eBay-owned Kijiji.

Walmart has a mixed history of success with Web businesses, but Walmart.com attracts 26 million visitors a month in the.U.S., according to comScore. Amazon attracts 47 million.

The classifieds listing’s went up quietly last week on Walmart’s site. The deal should help Oodle compeet against eBay’s Kijiji, which recently passed it in in the U.S., with 2 million unique visitors in April, versus 1.3 million for Oodle. Both trail way behind Craigslist, which has 30 million uniques, and is currently embroiled in a nasty lawsuit with eBay over Kijiji’s market entry into the U.S.

Crunch Network: CrunchGear drool over the sexiest new gadgets and hardware.

Walmart $200 PC only Available Online

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 08:51:42 -0700

According to InfoWorld, Walmart discontinued selling its $200 gPC from Everex in stores.

The $200 PC loaded with Google applications will continue to be available at the Walmart.com website.

As reason, Walmart’s spokes person, O’Brien said “The idea was to see if shoppers in our stores would respond as they do online to the offering. The answer is that customers did not respond to expectations, so we decided not to restock.” This is an interesting contrast to the many reports that the low cost, low energy PC has sold out in some stores and Walmarts pride to be able to manage inventory best. Also, Paul Kim, director of marketing at Everex, says “The sell-through [at Walmart stores] was brisk, I am surprised at the decision,” said Paul Kim, director of marketing at Everex.

Interestingly, O’Brian felt compelled to say “We did not ‘pull’ Linux from our shelves or make any kind of ‘announcement’ on this,” she said.

ULTIMAT - Black Cherry Vodka

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:47:04 -0800

A mundialmente famosa Ultimat, � uma das mais caras vodkas premium da Pol�nia com o sutis nuances de cereja negra.

Apresentado em uma garrafa de cristal decanter com rolha.

Produtor: Ultimat
Gradua��o: 40%
Pa�s de Origem: Pol�nia

ULTIMAT - Black Cherry Vodka

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:47:02 -0800

[from bushwald] In Chinese Factories, Lost Fingers and Low Pay

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 09:24:48 -0800

"At Wal-Mart, Christmas ornaments are cheap, and so are the lives of the young workers in China who make them."

Walmart.com - Save money. Live better.

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:15:56 -0800

Hands-On With Everex's $200 gPC | Gadget Lab from Wired.com

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:10:10 -0800

Pantagraph.com | Money | Wal-Mart sells $199 Linux computer

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 04:47:37 -0800

Hands-On With Everex's $200 gPC | Gadget Lab from Wired.com

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 07:15:05 -0800

How to Build an Ultra Low Cost PC for $100

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 06:28:45 -0800

While Everex started selling its low cost PC for

LinuxDevices.com has an in depth report about Everex’s plans for its Linux and Google applications based $200 PC. LinuxDevices reports that Everex hopes to sell 50,000 to 60,000 PC’s through WalMart. The main concern for profitability are the support costs, which Everex hopes to keep under $30 per sale.

The developer board comes with the CPU and a DVD containing the ready to install gOS Operating System. According to the article, gOS is an Ubuntu based Linux distribution with the Enlightenment Window manager for the low cost PC is called gOS like in Google OS for its inclusion of all Google online tools available and pre installed. The vision is to use online Google tools for Search, E-Mail, Calendar, Bookmarks, Text Documents, Spreadsheets, and more. If needed local applications, such as the office suite OpenOffice.org are included as well. gOS is also open source and available for download, but it appears the version delivered with the board or the PC is pre configured to the hardware and adds programs for multimedia (playing mp3, DVD, etc.). You can’t expect an abundance of performance from the Via C7 processor, however, it does a good job with web browsing and running basic applications and multi media playback.

Hands-On With Everex's $200 gPC | Gadget Lab from Wired.com

Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:47:32 -0800

Everex TC2502 Green gPC w/ Via C7-D Processor - Wal-Mart

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:44:21 -0800

Featured Download: Take Walmart's $199 PC Operating System for a Test Drive

Sat, 03 Nov 2007 09:24:16 -0700

Would you Trust a WalMart PC for Under $200?

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:14:53 -0700

Gee, WalMart is becoming a major outlet for Open Source PCs. It just announced a desktop PC for under $200, including mouse and keyboard and even speakers. The machine is rather green than powerful, as it uses a 1.5 Ghz VIA G7 processor, which has enough juice for homework and playing mp3s, and in turn is quite energy efficient. This machine needs just 2 Watt power on average (how ever that is measured) and is almost not to be heard, with 28db noise levels.

The kicker is this is a PC with lots of open source software and w/o MS Windows. It runs a Debian based Linux distribution called gOS, including OpenOffice 2.2 and uses lots of Google, YouTube, Facebook and other web applications pre-installed. Some might see the Google web applications as bloatware, but at last they are not try & buy versions.

You have to buy an extra monitor or use one of those that are discarded in perfect working order. I know a few people who have dumped their nice 19″ tubes for flat screens. So if you have more space than money, ask around their might be a good monitor for free in some garage. Did anybody say Craig’s List?

Finding DRM-Free Music Online

Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:51:20 -0700

Over the past half year we have seen arguably the most significant change in the online music industry since Apple launched their iTunes store in 2003. Following Steve Jobs’ open letter clarifying Apple’s position on digital rights management (DRM) in Februrary, major record companies have begun providing their music online free of piracy protection mechanisms.

The first major label to take the plunge was EMI Music, which teamed up with Apple in May to release its entire online catalog through a DRM-free area of the Apple music store called iTunes Plus. Also in May, Amazon announced that it would launch an MP3-only online music store with songs from major labels by the end of the year.

Just this week, Wal-Mart began selling unprotected MP3s of many Universal Music Group and EMI songs through its website. RealNetworks, MTV, and Verizon have also teamed up to launch Rhapsody America, a music service catered toward mobile phone users that will provide DRM-free downloads, in the near future. Even LimeWare, a P2P software maker, has recently announced that it plans to be part of the DRM-free movement (this time legitimately).

Some of the major music companies have been more tentative than others. EMI has thrown the most weight into the DRM-free movement by unlocking all of its online music. While Universal has agreed to release thousands of unprotected albums and tracks through several online retailers - RealNetworks, Google, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Amazon, and gBox - it has done so on a trial basis that will extend only until January 2008, at which point the company will decide whether it thinks DRM-free music boosts or hurts sales. Sony BMG Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group are still standing on the sidelines of the DRM-free movement and appear to be waiting to see how EMI and Universal fare by opening up.

While the progression of things suggests that all online music will eventually be DRM-free, there’s no need to wait to get in on the DRM-free action. Check out the DRM-free online music retailers below to get better quality music that plays on virtually any handheld music device, on any computer, and with any music program. The retailers covered provide music from both major and minor labels.

iTunes Plus

Apple is the eight hundred pound gorilla, controlling something like 70 to 80% of the online music retail market. CEO Steve Jobs predicted in May that over half of the songs provided through the iTunes Store would be DRM-free by the end of this year.

While most of us are familiar with the iTunes Store, you may not have noticed the discreet link to the iTunes Plus sub-store under “Quick Links” on the store’s homepage. iTunes Plus provides 256kbps DRM-free AAC files for $1.29 per song or $9.99+ per album. That’s a 30 cent per-song premium over DRM-protected songs sold through the iTunes Store.

Already bought a ton of music from Apple? You can upgrade your DRM-protected collection to DRM-free for 30 cents per song, 30% of the current album price per album, and 60 cents per music video. Of course, you’ll only be able to upgrade those songs and videos in your collection that are offered through iTunes Plus.

Artists available on iTunes Plus include Coldplay, The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, Gorillaz, and The Beastie Boys.

WalMart

Wal-Mart may not be as sexy as Apple but the retail giant does provide DRM-free music from both Universal and EMI. On Tuesday, Wal-Mart began offering 256kbps MP3 versions of much of its music for 94 cents per track or $9.22 per album. These DRM-free offerings are in addition to Wal-Mart’s previous 128kbps DRM-protected WMA files for 88 cents per song or $9.44 per album.

One big downside to Wal-Mart’s online store: you can only download music using a Windows machine. This limitation alone will make it very difficult for Wal-Mart to compete with Apple for mind share.

Artists include Amy Winehouse, Maroon 5, Pink Floyd, Nelly, and Bon Jovi.

gBox

Feeling generous? gBox, which we covered recently, lets you buy DRM-free music not just for yourself but for others as well. gBox users can create music wishlists that can be embedded in other websites and used by friends, family, and lovers to buy music for the list creator.

Universal is the one major label that has agreed to sell music DRM-free through gBox. Songs are 99 cents each and albums are $9.99 each.

Unfortunately, as with Wal-Mart, Mac users who would like to download from gBox are out of luck. This will put a damper on gBox’s otherwise highly viral business strategy of allowing wishlists to be embedded in social networks.

eMusic

You may not have heard of eMusic but the service, with over 2.5 million songs available, is second only to iTunes when it comes to online music sales. Founded in 1998, eMusic was the first company to sell MP3s, which it continues to do on a subscription, rather than per-unit, basis.

Subscriptions come in two flavors: $9.99 per month for up to 30 downloads per month, or $19.99 per month for up to 75 downloads per month. The coolest thing about their subscriptions: once they end, you still get to keep your music, unlike with other subscription services such as Napster. New users also get 25 songs for free.

While eMusic has a long tradition of selling DRM-free music, they still have yet to get in on any major label action. You won’t find any music from Universal, EMI, Sony BMG, or Warner here. But if you eschew popular music anyway, eMusic could be perfect for you.

Audio Lunchbox

If you like eMusic, you’ll probably like Audio Lunchbox as well. The company’s more than 2 million songs are DRM-free and completely indie.

Customers can choose to pay for their music on a subscription or per-unit basis.

Subscriptions range from $9.99 per month to $250 per year. On a per-unit basis, songs are 99 cents each and albums are $9.99 each.

All downloads are 192kbps VBR MP3 files.

AmieStreet

AmieStreet, which we have covered many times, like eMusic and Audio Lunchbox provides DRM-free songs from artists without major label contracts (although, AmieStreet has teamed up with Nettwerk Productions to provide music from big names like Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan).

The most interesting thing about AmieStreet is its pricing scheme. Tracks individually cost anywhere between 0 and 98 cents. Music offered on the website starts off free but goes up in price as more people download it. Therefore, the price reflects the actual popularity of the track in a similar spirit to an auction.

The tracks sold on AmieStreet are always in MP3 format, but the bit rate can vary as artists contribute songs directly to the website.

Crunch Network: CrunchBoard because it’s time for you to find a new Job2.0

[from bushwald] Wal-Mart to sell $300 PC with OpenOffice

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 07:11:20 -0700

http://www.electronista.com/articles/07/07/18/everex.gc3502/

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 11:27:42 -0700

Everex intros $298 green PC with OpenOffice (first time i've seen MS Windows bundled with Openoffice OEM. also the pc is green/low energy))

[from bushwald] Dell’s Early Success at Wal-Mart Bodes Well, Analyst Says

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:23:16 -0700

Attention Wal-Mart customers, Skype now in aisle voice

Mon, 14 May 2007 02:08:55 -0700

Wal-Mart is going to start selling nine Skype-certified hardware devices (and by extension the Skype service) in ~~all~~ 1800 (or roughly half) of its stores. The deal also includes Skype pre-paid cards. Wal-Mart is the first retailer in the U.S. to offer Skype’s pre-paid cards that will be sold in $20 denominations.

The move is an effort by Skype to boost its U.S. revenues. Skype, which had about $79 million in first quarter revenues relies heavily on the overseas markets. The Wal-Mart deal is one of the many efforts by the company to goose up its revenues and meet the targets that will help Skype cofounders get the $1.5 billion that is tied in earn outs.

Skype’s mainstream retail push is coming at a time when the service is showing signs of maturity. In first quarter of 2007, there “was the marginal 1% increase in the Skype-to-Skype usage to around 7.7 billion minutes.”

Despite all the growth in minutes and users, eBay’s $4.2 billion buy is on a treadmill - it has to keep adding more users in order to what amounts to squeezing blood from a stone.

The downside of this mainstream push by Skype is that it comes with the baggage of expectations. It will be viewed as a low-cost telephony service, and mainstream users will expect 911 services, which if not available can cause legal headaches. Regardless, this move can put pressure on Vonage, and further siphon away long distance minutes from the big phone companies.

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Walmart website suports only Microsoft.

Sun, 18 Feb 2007 03:30:24 -0800

Enterprise Java Community: Mule: A Case Study

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 10:40:58 -0800

Mule ESB case study by Walmart.com's enterprise architect

Enterprise Java Community: Mule: A Case Study

Sat, 17 Feb 2007 10:31:06 -0800

Mule ESB case study by Walmart.com's enterprise architect

Walmart in bed with Microsoft? Walmart says NO to Firefox, Mac, Apple - CenterNetworks - News, Reviews, Insights and Interviews

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 08:45:40 -0800

Design by CSS » Wal-Mart Does Not Support Firefox

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 22:39:24 -0800

Walmart in bed with Microsoft? Walmart says NO to Firefox, Mac, Apple - CenterNetworks - News, Reviews, Insights and Interviews

Sun, 11 Feb 2007 12:39:04 -0800

Walmart's new video service didn't work with Firefox or Safari properly. Now you are blocked ENTIRELY. With early adopters of video services likely to be alternate browser users, does this show arrogance on Walmart's behalf?

Wal-Mart Does Not Support Firefox

Sat, 10 Feb 2007 15:39:21 -0800

Nice One, Walmart

Sat, 10 Feb 2007 15:39:21 -0800

Wal-Mart Does Not Support Firefox

Sat, 10 Feb 2007 11:39:19 -0800

Nice One, Walmart

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 08:42:17 -0800

Video Downloads Store - Movies - Wal-Mart

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 05:39:12 -0800