AOpen Leads in Miniaturized Personal Computing Innovation With a Cool New Twist to PC Computing

SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- AOpen, an award-winning global leader in PC component and system design and manufacturing, continues its miniaturized personal computing innovation with a cool new twist to PC computing, the most affordable and compact PC ever, the AOpen miniPC. The launch of the unique miniPC testifies the strong R&D capability of AOpen and demonstrates that the product development expertise of the company takes the leading position in the world.

"AOpen's R&D expertise has progressed from desktop platforms to small form factor platforms," said Chris Liu, VP of Product and Marketing of AOpen America. "Now we are taking a giant leap forward to develop consumer and ultra small form factor platforms. The development of miniPC proves that AOpen's product strategy is moving in the right direction to meet our partner's and customer demand."

AOpen has accumulated nearly 20 years of experience in manufacturing PC systems and components. As AOpen fields a comprehensive array of components, along with strong R&D capabilities and technology assets, it is able to combine superior components that have been subjected to rigorous testing and carefully matched to ensure compatibility and reliability. Only then is the entire package shipped to channel vendors who then can customize solutions further to meet their customer's needs.

AOpen's products are distinctive, attractive, high-performance, durable, and technologically definitive. The AOpen miniPC is perfect example of AOpen's innovation.

Starting at just $399 for Linux-based version with Linspire and $499 for Windows XP-based computer, miniPC is the ideal desktop computer for musicians, designers, students, avid computer enthusiasts, and even the most hardcore gamers by providing an ultimate PC computing experience in an incredibly compact form factor.

The 6.5-inch, square metallic miniPC has a slot-load CD drive and a power button in the front, along with two USB ports, one 1394 and speaker out/mic in the back. It features the latest Intel Pentium M notebook processor, allowing near silent cooling without sacrificing performance. In addition, the miniPC boasts a DVI Connection, integrated Ethernet card and slot-loaded DVD-Burner. The product is built with mini-PCI 802.11 a/b/g wireless communication module and Bluetooth support.

The miniPC also provides DVI, S-Video, component, composite and YPbPr connectors so that it can be connected to HDTV, plasma display monitor, large screen display panels, and high definition audio products. A user can turn the miniPC into the control hub of a digital home entertainment center.

At a $399 price point, the Linux version of the miniPC features the stable, secure Linux-based operating system 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 more than 2,000 Linux programs. For more information about Linspire, visit http://www.linspire.com.

"For the first time, consumers will be able to experience desktop Linux with a cutting-edge miniature form factor," said Kevin La Rue, Vice President of Marketing for Linspire, Inc. "With Linspire Linux, resellers can finally deliver a fully loaded, complete miniPC that comes standard with all the features consumers want -- for under $400."

The miniPC will be resold through AOpen partners such as Linspire and Voodoo and others who will configure the PCs, based on customer specifications. Pricing & Availability

The miniPC will be available in the United States via AOpen's partners, early November, starting at just $399 for Linux-based version running Linspire and $499 for Windows XP-based computer for base configurations. About AOpen

Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, with AOpen America's headquarters in San Jose, California, AOpen Inc. is the world's largest total PC component solutions manufacturer and a member of an $18-billion technology group. Leveraging more than 28 years of technology manufacturing experience and more than 1,000 Group patents, AOpen designs, manufactures and markets high- quality, state-of-the-art motherboards; housings; small-form-factor bare systems; VGA cards; white-box notebooks; optical drives; multimedia headsets and headphones; multimedia and network solutions; as well as numerous other PC component products sold through VARs to institutional, corporate, education and government customers, and via retailers to small business and end-user customers.

For Press Inquiries: Marti Miernik

Director

NealeMay & Partners for AOpen

408 506 6499

miernik@nealemay.com