One correction... it's an Athlon 64 1.69GHz with DDR2 667MHz memory

The race for the lowest priced product is a game that Wal-mart plays well. It should be no surprise that they are the ones with this low price point. The economy in the USA is pretty poor right now. Needs of students for computers don't go away because just because of economic conditions though. It makes sense that companies will seek to serve this population in bad times just as they do in good.

The real question is, will Wal-Mart sustain this price going forward? Will a competitor find an even cheaper unit? As the “low price leader” Wal-mart has a reputation to uphold. Time will tell if this is just a gimmick or a real commitment to carrying a low cost option.

A well known, very exclusive, golf course just a few miles west of me has absolutely NO membership fee.

But as a new member you soon discover their brand of balls are required and they cost $500 each.

Uh huh, they get you by the balls.

Wally-World is not a charitable organization; just ask a few former employees.