Full-Featured Personal Computers for Less Than $300 from CPUBuilders by Stratitec.

Business Editors

WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2003

Available now at SAM'S CLUB(R) online, PC

ownership is easier on the wallet

CPUBuilders(TM) by Stratitec(R) ( www.cpubuilders.com ) today announced the availability of powerful, inexpensive and easy to use personal computer systems starting at under $300.

Members of SAM'S CLUB can "one-stop-shop" online at samsclub.com for a personal computer system priced at less than $300. Each system is pre-installed with Linux and bundled with a complete suite of programs including applications to browse the Internet, send and receive email, type and print letters, create and deliver presentations, work on spreadsheets, edit and print digital photos, manage personal calendar and address book. Linux, created in 1991, is a robust, enterprise class operating system. CPUBuilders is shipping one of the most popular distributions of Linux, which has over 52% of the Linux market-share and has been used at the enterprise level for 9 years. With the easier to use, windows-like graphics interface, Linux is now growing in popularity in personal computers due to its higher reliability and growing reputation as a cost-effective and easy-to-use alternative to Microsoft Windows.

Robert Barger, President of Stratitec Inc., the developer of CPUBuilders products said, "If customers can get past their fear of the unknown, they'll get a great quality system bundled with great software and support. Based on consumer feedback, we think customers will be surprised with how quickly they are able to adapt to the Linux interface, how easy the bundled software is to use and by how fast our $300 computer really is."

CPUBuilders makes it possible for more small to mid-sized businesses, start-ups, families and individuals to easily afford a reliable, fully functional PC, backed by a full year of support after purchase. CPUBuilders sees this as an ideal option for small businesses and households seeking multiple PC systems, consumers with limited budgets, or businesses looking to add workstations at a lower cost. The CPUBuilders Linux Computer Starter System, (Model #CBS122L) has a 1.1 GHz processor, 256 MB RAM, 20 GB hard drive, CD ROM, and a full compliment of bundled software all for less than an entry level price of $300.

Stratitec has been selling starter systems that include an easy-to-use version of the Linux OS under their CPUBuilders brand since 2001. Model #CBS122L retails for less than $300 and is now available exclusively at www.samsclub.com and for $100 more, computer buyers can get a processor that is approximately 1.5 times faster than the CBS122L model, and has a three times more hard drive storage.

The entry-level system provides all the necessary hardware and software to handle basic computing needs right out of the box. Complete with a full compliment of bundled office applications, built-in networking and high-speed or dial-up Internet connections, these systems are perfect for small business, home offices and personal use. Each system is shipped with built-in file sharing software that allows users flexibility by providing easy document sharing between Windows, MacOS X, and Linux based operating systems. Additionally, at speeds of 1.1 GHz and faster, these systems are powerful enough for popular stand-alone and online computer gaming and music users. CPUBuilders systems provide both high quality integrated video and an AGP 4x upgrade slot, allowing customers the freedom to add a monitor of their choice from a wide variety of monitors, starting at under $100 for a 17-inch monitor, when ordering from SAMS CLUB online ( www.samsclub.com ). Additionally CPUBuilders bundles all the software on CDs with each system so users don't have to rely on an Internet connection to download additional software after purchase.

CPUBuilders new low cost system proves that reliable, productive computing and Internet capability does not require an expensive computer system with proprietary operating system and software. "Contrary to current trends, Intel and Microsoft are not the only options in personal computing. They just happen to be the most well known. However, high-end names like Intel and Microsoft come with much higher price tags, just like IBM did when Microsoft and Intel first emerged as industry leaders in the 1980s. What we're giving consumers is an affordable alternative to Microsoft Windows and Office for under $300. We've also been amazed at how quickly business and office users become proficient using the powerful office suite of applications bundled with our systems," said Robert Barger, President of Stratitec, Inc., the developer of CPUBuilders products.

Product Features:

The Linux Computer Starter Set from CPUBuilders by Stratitec (Model #CBS122L)

System: Retails for less than $300 and comes complete with the following out-of-the box features: high-speed CD-ROM, 10/100 integrated Ethernet network port, 56K modem, accelerated 3D built-in video, built-in AC97 stereo sound, USB and legacy ports. Expandability with two open 5.25 inch and three open 3.5 inch drive bays, an AGP 4x slot and an available PCI slot. Includes a full compliment of software to connect to the Internet and for word processing, presentation and publishing tasks.

Software: CPUBuilders easy-to-use enhanced Linux operating system with applications for Internet web browsing, e-mail, full-featured word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, digital imaging, multimedia, games and more. Network, file sharing, disk access and shared printer compatibility with virtually all popular platforms. Advanced applications are included for security, databases, servers, web publishing, custom programming and more.

Support: Free up and running technical support and full hardware troubleshooting for a period of 1 year by calling 316-315-0300, M-F, 9 AM to 6 PM CT.

About Stratitec

Stratitec has an outstanding track record as a leading supplier of high technology computing products, connectivity, power protection and accessories for Windows, Linux and MacOS based computers. Stratitec products are available nationwide at retailers such as SAM'S CLUB, and Wal-Mart, and e-tailers worldwide. With over 5 million customers, Stratitec strives to provide high quality products that offer unsurpassed value and empower people with tools to succeed.