Linspire  along with AOpen and Mirus Innovations, today announced the availability of the Linspire Mini Koobox, the first small form-factor Linux machine on the market. Starting at just $399 after $100 mail-in rebate, the Mini Koobox is based on an Intel platform built by AOpen and comes with the easy-to-use Linspire Linux operating system, which includes full Microsoft file-compatible office suite, DVD player and DVD-playing software, music and photo management software, Internet applications, e-mail and instant messaging capabilities. The Linspire Mini Koobox is now being sold online through Mirus Innovations as part of its Koobox line of desktop computers.

"As the prices of desktop computers continues to drop, consumers are starting to bring multiple computers into their homes," said Kevin Carmony, president and CEO of Linspire . "However, low cost isn't the only consideration. As you add more computers to more rooms, space and aesthetics also start to become factors. Buying a low-priced Linux machine usually means you'll have to sacrifice on style and select from a limited supply. We developed the Mini Koobox with Mirus and AOpen because we know there is high consumer demand for ultra-compact home computers that not only look great and perform well, but also don't cost a fortune."

Measuring in at just 6.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches and 3.0 lbs., the basic configuration boasts a brushed matte-platinum case with clear blue plastic accents, slot-in slim CDRW/DVD combo drive with DVD-playing software, integrated Ethernet card, and is based on the Intel 915 chipset. To add to the streamlined aesthetic, ports are located in the back of the unit, including two USB 2.0 ports, one IEEE 1394 port (Firewire), speaker-out, S-video, and mic. The Mini Koobox also has a DVI monitor connector and includes a DVI-to-VGA adapter so that it can be connected to plasma-display or large-format monitors. Inside, the machine checks in with 256 MB DDR2 RAM, Intel Celeron M 370 1.5 Ghz processor, and a 40 GB hard drive.

Upgraded versions of the Mini Koobox are also available, including a version priced $499 after mail-in rebate with Intel Celeron M 370 processor, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB hard drive, and a CDRW/DVD combo drive. For $50 more, a third model priced at $549 after mail-in rebate includes an Intel Pentium M 725 1.6 Ghz processor. All Mini Koobox units come with a 15-day free subscription to Linspire's CNR software download service, plus keyboard, mouse and speakers. These Koobox models are aggressively priced, considering the Mac Mini starts at $599 for a basic configuration that does not include a keyboard, mouse, or speakers.

The Mini Koobox features the stable and secure Linux-based operating system from Linspire, which comes complete with major desktop applications, including OpenOffice.org (a Microsoft file-compatible office suite); Web browser, e-mail and instant messaging clients; multimedia viewers; photo and music managers; calendaring tools; and more. Access to additional software and applications is available through Linspire's innovative CNR ("click and run") Warehouse, a software library where users can download and install thousands of Linux and open source programs.