• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Wal-Mart’s $398 laptop

By
Jon Fortt
Jon Fortt
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Jon Fortt
Jon Fortt
Down Arrow Button Icon
November 6, 2006, 8:36 AM ET

Walmart
This Compaq Presario (HPQ) V5305 laptop has a 2-gigahertz AMD Sempron processor, Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition, 512 megabytes of RAM a 60-gigabyte hard drive, a 15.4″ 1280×800 display, WiFi, and weighs 6.4 pounds. Wow.

You’re probably thinking what I’m thinking: Wal-Mart (WMT) should be selling this Hewlett-Packard-made laptop for at least $100 more. So what’s the catch?

I can’t find one. It’s sold in stores only, so maybe Wal-Mart figures it can steal electronics foot traffic from Best Buy (BBY) and gain bargain buzz just before the holiday season kicks off. And they’ll only get cheaper at the end of the month.

See the product page here, or just check out this item description from walmart.com:

The Compaq Presario V5305WM Notebook PC provides reliable performance and superb value, engineered with the quality you expect from a world technology leader. Pre-installed security software helps protect you from viruses, spam, spyware and other online threats, while the 54g802.11b/g WLAN modem support lets you maintain a high-speed wireless connection.

  • Mobile AMD (AMD) Sempron Processor 3300+
  • 2.00GHz processor speed
  • Up to 1600MHz system bus running at AC/DC Mode 25 watt
  • 128KB L2 Cache
  • 512MB 333MHz DDR System Memory
  • Max supported 2048MB
  • 24X DVD/CD-RW Combo Drive
  • 60GB (5400RPM) Hard Drive
  • ATI RADEON XPRESS 200M IGP with 128MB DDR (shared)
  • Integrated 10/100Base-T Ethernet LAN (RJ45 connector)
  • 54g 802.11b/g WLAN with 125HSM / SpeedBooster support
  • High Speed 56K modem
  • 101-key compatible keyboard
  • Touch Pad with On/Off button and dedicated vertical and horizontal Scroll Up/Down pad
  • 15.4″ WXGA High-Definition BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800) Display
  • Altec Lansing Audio
  • PC Card Slots: 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)
  • Available External Ports: 2 USB 2.0
  • 1 Headphone out
  • 1 microphone-in
  • 1 VGA (15-pin) 1 TV-Out (S-video)
  • 1 RJ-11 (modem)
  • 1 RJ-45 (LAN)
  • 1 notebook expansion port 2
  • Accessible Memory Slots: 2
  • Security features include: Kensington MicroSaver lock slot
  • Power-On password and also accepts 3rd party security lock devices
  • Software Included: Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition
  • Windows Vista Capable
  • HP Total Care Help & Support Center
  • Wireless Home Network
  • PC Recovery (Softthinks Restore Solution)
  • Microsoft Works
  • Microsoft Money
  • Microsoft MSN Encarta Plus
  • Microsoft Office Activation Wizard
  • Sonic Digital Media Plus
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • HP Games Powered by WildTanget
  • AOL Music
  • RealRhapsody
  • Muvee AutoProducer DVD Edition with Burning
  • Microsoft Windows Media Player
  • HP PhotoSmart Premier and Vongo
  • Dimensions: 10.2″ (L) x 14.1″(W) x 1.38″(min) /1.77″(max)
  • Weight: 6.4 lbs
About the Author
By Jon Fortt
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in

Donald Trump stands behind a podium while pointing a finger in front of him.
EconomyTariffs
‘People are trying to be creative’: Tariff-battered American companies are so cash-starved they are using refund claims as collateral for loans
By Sasha RogelbergApril 12, 2026
1 hour ago
Former Citgo Petroleum interim CEO José Pereira was one of the 'Citgo Six' political prisoners held captive in Venezuela for nearly five years.
EnergyVenezuela
Former ‘Citgo 6’ political prisoner sees ‘karma’ in Maduro ouster, but Venezuelan oil won’t rebound until there’s true regime change
By Jordan BlumApril 12, 2026
3 hours ago
JD Vance leaves Pakistan after marathon talks with Iran end without a deal as Tehran refuses U.S. demand not to develop nuclear weapons
PoliticsIran
JD Vance leaves Pakistan after marathon talks with Iran end without a deal as Tehran refuses U.S. demand not to develop nuclear weapons
By Munir Ahmed, E. Eduardo Castillo, Samy Magdy, Cara Anna, Ben Finley, Collin Binkley and The Associated PressApril 11, 2026
7 hours ago
Trump downplays talks for ceasefire deal with Iran, claiming military victory. ‘It doesn’t matter. From the standpoint of America, we win’
PoliticsDonald Trump
Trump downplays talks for ceasefire deal with Iran, claiming military victory. ‘It doesn’t matter. From the standpoint of America, we win’
By The Associated PressApril 11, 2026
10 hours ago
Appeals court says national security implications of halting White House ballroom construction must be weighed
Lawcourts
Appeals court says national security implications of halting White House ballroom construction must be weighed
By Michael Kunzelman, Ben Finley and The Associated PressApril 11, 2026
11 hours ago
‘This is the last warning.’ Iran threatens U.S. warships after they throw down the gauntlet for winner-take-all Strait of Hormuz
PoliticsIran
‘This is the last warning.’ Iran threatens U.S. warships after they throw down the gauntlet for winner-take-all Strait of Hormuz
By Jason MaApril 11, 2026
11 hours ago

Most Popular

'This is the last warning.' Iran threatens U.S. warships after they throw down the gauntlet for winner-take-all Strait of Hormuz
Politics
'This is the last warning.' Iran threatens U.S. warships after they throw down the gauntlet for winner-take-all Strait of Hormuz
By Fortune EditorsApril 11, 2026
11 hours ago
Palantir CEO says AI ‘will destroy’ humanities jobs but there will be ‘more than enough jobs’ for people with vocational training
Future of Work
Palantir CEO says AI ‘will destroy’ humanities jobs but there will be ‘more than enough jobs’ for people with vocational training
By Fortune EditorsApril 11, 2026
23 hours ago
The 'affordability economy' has created a housing market nobody predicted: Prices collapsing in the Sun Belt, soaring in the Rust Belt
Real Estate
The 'affordability economy' has created a housing market nobody predicted: Prices collapsing in the Sun Belt, soaring in the Rust Belt
By Fortune EditorsApril 11, 2026
1 day ago
Warren Buffett says 'accumulating great amounts of money' doesn’t achieve greatness—He still lives in a $31,500 Nebraska home and clipped coupons
Success
Warren Buffett says 'accumulating great amounts of money' doesn’t achieve greatness—He still lives in a $31,500 Nebraska home and clipped coupons
By Fortune EditorsApril 11, 2026
23 hours ago
Scottie Scheffler joined Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in golf's $100M club—and donated his entire Ryder Cup stipend to charity
Success
Scottie Scheffler joined Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in golf's $100M club—and donated his entire Ryder Cup stipend to charity
By Fortune EditorsApril 10, 2026
2 days ago
Navy tests Hormuz blockade as expert says U.S. military prepares for round 2 and could degrade Iran's hold over the strait to a 'manageable level'
Politics
Navy tests Hormuz blockade as expert says U.S. military prepares for round 2 and could degrade Iran's hold over the strait to a 'manageable level'
By Fortune EditorsApril 11, 2026
16 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.