Wal-Mart to Offer Components for DIY Computers

FearTheFrail writes "Reuters reports that Wal-Mart is preparing to put "build your own computer counters" in 1200 of its 3200 stores, with plans to do so in at least 1400 by the end of the year. Maybe this will bring on an influx of new hardware enthusiasts, along with plenty of horror stories about attempted computer assembly. Do you think this will have an effect on the OEM parts market? And what about the operating systems to be offered? Will Wal-Mart shoppers migrate to Linux in order to save a hundred bucks or more, or will they even have the chance?"

Comments

Oh no

[saskboy]

I can see it now:
Customer - "The computer memory won't upgrade."

Walmart - "What was the problem?"

Customer - "I put it inside the CDROM drive and didn't get any more hard drive space."

Walmart - "Alrighty then."

Re:Oh no

[foundme]

Well, I think most joe users are sick of jokes like this. Whenever something goes wrong, it's always, always the users' fault!

Why can't companies make more user-friendly products, so if you do put a memory module into the CDROM, it will install it for you, and spit out the old stick if there isn't enough room.

How odd...

[penguinstorm]

For years, we shipped assembly off shore to factories where people would work for 20 cents an hour. From these economic theory, Wal-Mart was born.

Now, they're shipping the labour back here.

Perhaps in future, Wal-Mart will offer sew-it-yourself clothing as well? They could market it as a sweat shop tourist attraction!

More DIY plans to follow soon

[nizo]

I wish Walmart would start selling self-assembled microwaves for $10. Talk about a quick way to clear out some of the genetic driftwood in this country.

Wow!

[AriaStar]

Cheap clothing, food, plans to open a bank, computers.... Is there nothing Wal-Mart doesn't provide aside from living wages, benefits, and dignified to its employees?

Post first, read later

[EmbeddedJanitor]

On /., reading first is **cheating**!