Wal-Mart drops Linux PC due to lack of interest

AP is reporting that Wal-Mart Ends Test of Linux in Stores. The story says:

Computers that run the Linux operating system instead of Microsoft Corp.'s Windows didn't attract enough attention from Wal-Mart customers, and the chain has stopped selling them in stores, a spokeswoman said Monday.

"This really wasn't what our customers were looking for," said Wal-Mart Stores Inc spokeswoman Melissa O'Brien.

Wal-Mart eventually sold out of Everex Green gPCs, and AP says: "Walmart.com now carries an updated version, the gPC2, also for $199, without a monitor. The site also sells a tiny Linux-driven laptop, the Everex CloudBook, for $399."

So although Wal-Mart decided not to restock its shelves with gPCs, it hasn't dropped Linux altogether. It is still selling systems online.

However, Wal-Mart is continuing to sell Everex machines running Vista. Since Wal-Mart isn't a bit sentimental about its shelf space and profit margins, this does suggest there isn't the huge pent-up demand for Linux systems that many Linux fans have claimed.... Not among Wal-Mart customers, anyway.