PCs break the $200 barrier

Don — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 22:00:08 GMT

The important question is, can it run Windows?

I understand there are Linux true believers, but UNIX is a step backwards in time, and as hard as Ubuntu tries to look and act like Windows, it just doesn't make it. It won't run games, or office or photoshop or hundreds of other applications.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Dave, San Diego — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 22:17:38 GMT

Hey Bro. Give peace a chance. Windows has made you and me lazy. Think back to Windows 3.11 or even before everything was plug and play. Remember when you couldn't just toss in a few more RAM modules but you actually had to configure the system to recognize the memmory?

How much did you spend on Antivirus software for this Green PC? Did you have to spend 3 hours loading patches before the machine was safe? I think the savings, time and money, was worth a little aggrevation.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Alyssa / JAX, FL — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 23:48:15 GMT

I suppose this would be good for people just wanting to surf the net or do basic word processing. however, at $200 people will hopfully have realistic expectations for what they are getting vs. what they are paying. Personally I would question the quality of parts that were used to even build this system. I build systems as a modest hobbie for friends and family and in seeing what I can get for $200, and maintain a quality that is up to most people's standards, it's not much. Take ASUS motherboards for example. Even a basic board that is dual core and supports up to 4GB of RAM and has on board GeForce 6100 video is around $60. Then you add RAM, a hard drive, power supply, case, the acutal processor, and interface items that are all of decent quality your at about $300 (not counting the OS which is about $100+ for basic Windows Home). Keep in mind that is for a system that just does basic web surfing and word processing. If you want a gaming system your starting at about $700 just for the box and going up rapidly from there.

So in a nut shell it is buyer beware.

PCs break the $200 barrier

James South Portland, ME — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 01:18:53 GMT

And that probably won't happen until Linux is adopted by a wide variety of end users, and dev's start writing easy-to-install popular software for it.

Linux is an amazing operating platform, but for all of the great GUI options, there is no current desktop standard for operation. This means that the simplest software installations in Windows generally require much more in depth knowledge of Linux.

It's a tough thing to juggle, because it will be hard for Linux to become popular for the end user unless end users adopt it. However, unless end users adopt it, the software won't get any easier to use. Catch 22.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Keith Viverette, Sr. — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 01:19:17 GMT

This is not the first PC to crack the $200 barrier. Wal-Mart previously sold a PC loaded with the Lindows (now called "Linspire") flavor of Linux. As to the need to add plugins, the GNU license doesn't cover proprietary third-party software, so the need to download certain components directly from manufacturers can sometimes be required. Also, please note that for the minimal $199 price, users can download another flavor of Linux from the Web for free, burn the ISO to a CD, then replace the Ubuntu OS with one that comes better pre-configured (if so desired). Personally, I like Ubuntu. It's rock-solid stable, fast, and relatively easy to configure.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Adam Wood, Charlotte, NC — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 01:29:09 GMT

You failed to mention that this is being targeted to a very low end market in the nations largest retailer posing an huge problem for the user who doesn't understand linux/windows differences and picks up one of these "cheap" pc's. Once it's out of the box... Little bobby will certainly want to play his "reading with pooh" or mom will want to run a recipe program... both they bought from the rack just beside the pc... oh wait.. those are mostly limited to Windows. Sorry tommy. sorry mom. Walmart isn't carrying linux titles. A quick search for the keyword "linux" on Walmart site reveals 9 hits.. ALL BOOKS. Time to return that cheap pc.. oh wait, walmarts policy is very limited on returning electronics... Hope you can still find a copy of XP... and the right drivers.. Good luck!

PCs break the $200 barrier

Dave Schreiber — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 01:35:08 GMT

Buy a real PC or a used windows PC you will do much better!

PCs break the $200 barrier

Jeremy P. Buffalo NY — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 01:47:04 GMT

Why give a cheap computer such a bad review when I would say it's not way worse than windows on the user friendly aspect. I can't tell you how many windows 2000, ME, XP, and Vista computers I've set up that also needed plug-ins downloaded.

PCs break the $200 barrier

M.B. Minneapolis, MN — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:30:32 GMT

Even with Windows, you still need to download plugins for RealPlayer, Quick Time, Flash, Shockwave to get things to work.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Patrick Riote — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 05:07:02 GMT

Instead of Ubuntu, they should sell the computer with the Linux distribution, PCLOS 2007 -- it works right out of the box!

PCs break the $200 barrier

David, Santa Fe, NM — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 06:02:52 GMT

Hopefully it's not too "ahead of its time". If it were me, I'd probably buy that ($199 is about as cheap as you can build one), get the cheapest version of Windows XP I could find, and put it on there to have a nice stripped-down PC. (You can still do the OpenOffice.org and Mozilla Firefox stuff for free, even with Windows - I happen to like the ones you get at portableapps.com) Or you can use a system like this as your "I'm gonna get my feet wet with Linux" system if you don't want to mess up your "main" computer (you know, the one with your tax returns and checkbook on it?) by installing something that might or might not make it work with multiple OSes.

PCs break the $200 barrier

G. Rentar, Pittsburgh, PA — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:50:50 GMT

Installing software has always been the achilles heal of linux based systems, at least in my experience.

PCs break the $200 barrier

P Helms Suches — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 10:54:57 GMT

"not everything is user-friendly right out of the box."

And Windows on other PCs are?????

PCs break the $200 barrier

Fred, La Crosse, Wisc. — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 11:26:48 GMT

I've used Ubuntu, it's a nice OS, but one is not limited to Ubuntu on this system. If one is not happy with Ubuntu, try Suse 10.3 or Mandriva which, as open source, are free to download and use. I use Suse 10.2 on an old Compaq Presario (512MB, 1.9 GHz P4, dual hard disks) dual-boot system with Win XP Pro. Installed Windows first on one drive, then put in the Suse DVD which partitioned the system correctly, and installed the OS easily. I didn't have to do much work installing drivers because the Yast tool in Suse handles that easily. The Suse install is stable and responsive. Suse handles youtube, realplayer, and much more...it's got the GIMP which beats Photoshop hands down. The KDE desktop packs the coolness factor that users are used to seeing on Leopard or Vista. It's best to get the Suse DVD in a book if you are new to Linux...the books helped me greatly coming to the OS as a Windows user. I work in Win XP Pro and Vista most of the time, but I enjoy Linux much more than any OS I've used...there are thousands of neat free programs you'll have to see to believe! (Some very cool open-source 3-D graphics programs like Blender are worth a look.) If you've got an 5-year-oldish PC lying around unused, try Suse on it, or play around with the Knoppix distros that run from the CD player without installing on the hard drive. Have a lot of fun!

PCs break the $200 barrier

John, Cornfield IN — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:38:56 GMT

I have the "Dapper Drake" release of Ubuntu installed on a old 800 Mcs. P-3, and the only things I can do with it is play CDs, change the desktop, watch the bundled video of Nelson Mandella, and play Mah Jongg. It is NOT an easy-to-learn OS, and the box needs to be connected to the Internets, because it wants to phone home and check for updates/download the rest of the software.
They'd been better off offering it with OpenDOS for an OS.

PCs break the $200 barrier

J. McCright - La Plata, MD — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:48:15 GMT

Finally, an inexpensive PC that isn't riddled with "bloatware"! For far too long it has taken software designers more speed, more memory, and more code to let someone do simple tasks...all so that it looks pretty. While the plethora of Google-ware does cause concern (and would be my first target for termination), it is reassuring to know that it doesn't take hundreds of dollars of hardware and software to be productive online.

True, the user would have to download plug-ins in order to run third-party apps, but I believe that is in keeping with the "minimalist" mentality...the less, the better. Find a cheap $20 monitor from the thrift store and you got yourself a PC for the kids. If they mess it up you can just find the apps online and load 'em in again...free! Congrats to Everex!

PCs break the $200 barrier

Michael Orth, Kenosha, Wisconsin — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:08:26 GMT

What a stupid commentary. Sure they should have loaded the plug-in, but the ease of Ubuntu linux and the unbelievably low price of the system far outweighs your one inconvenience. Try to go surfing the web with a new version of Vista without adding software, let alone the nearly 100 updates that need to be downloaded from the net as soon as you connect from the Windows Update site. You assume that Windows works out of the box...it doesn't. This computer gives immense computing power to people who cannot afford the $600 pc filled with Windows bloat-ware. In addition, the Ubuntu-Linux community will quickly help you resolve any problems you might have, while microsoft's support line will cost you more than the cost of this pc after 6 issues.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Camilo Doe — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:22:00 GMT

You make a good point that computers should be user friendly. That's why no one should buy Microsoft products. Give me a gPC any day.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Dan S, New Richmond, WI — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 13:56:41 GMT

Does anyone know if the gPC will run Windows?

PCs break the $200 barrier

Alex, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:32:28 GMT

Linux needs the user to know its cumbersome installation syntax, which is totally unlike the ease of use which Windows employs. Furthermore, I cannot fathom how peripherals will be installed on this device as some drivers are hard to find and in some cases have to be custom built.
I have been trying Ubuntu off the livecd for three weeks and have yet to be able to install Java with Sodu and I have the Dummies book with me! I did manage to install Flash but only by going to the Youtube web site and installing the self-install program that that web page recommends. Whenever I've downloaded the plug-in to install manually it has not worked. I've found that if the program is installed by the OS Ubuntu is great but when it isn't, it's a headache. I've also had trouble with Ubuntu recognizing either my graphics card or lcd monitor and I know that if you need to tweak your equipment you need to know your way around the OS and how to use Terminal.
This pc looks like a great idea badly implemented. I bet you the folks who are building the $ 200 laptop have avoided this pitfall and will make this box obsolete.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Ken S. — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:43:58 GMT

I agree that "plug-in" is not a user friendy term to most users who would buy a $200 computer, but the review indicates the probablility that this is a good basic device for internet browsing, DVD playing, and basic computer functions. The real test will be how well it serves the low end market consisting of those who have not previously owned a computer, and who would not otherwise have bought one.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Dan, Madison WI — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:52:17 GMT

I would like to echo that it's silly that the plugin install doesn't work correctly. It's one of my biggest gripes about Ubuntu. This is, however, a small point for me and I also recommend at least trying the LiveCD version to everybody.
I would also like to point out that the choice of a VIA/Cyrix chip gives the main processor a higher performance per watt ratio than mainline processors.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Real Creature — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:33:00 GMT

Similar to Microsoft's product distribution standards of patch-it-up-after-the-sale.

PCs break the $200 barrier

John Roberts, Nassau, Bahamas — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:42:21 GMT

The day we (geeks) have all been waiting for!! When there is finally an option for the end-user other than Windows & Mac. It may not be the best - right out of the box - but then neither was Windows 95 - LOL. The price & wide distribution oughta get a lot of ordinary folks using Linux, and the choice of Ubuntu is just excellent.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Joe, Kansas City, KS — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:46:03 GMT

If you prefer a Windows-based system, Walmart offers a machine with the same specs (RAM, CPU, HD) along with Windows Vista Basic, a dual-layer DVD burner, and a 17" CRT monitor for $100 more. (a real deal, since either Vista Basic or a 17" CRT would run at least a hundred bucks each by themselves)

PCs break the $200 barrier

Mike Smythe, Sacramento, CA — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:57:23 GMT

Seriously, the only thing you can complain about is that Firefox didn't support Flash Video out of the box? I've installed Firefox plugins before, and I didn't find anything about it difficult. Someone who claims to have spent ample time with Ubuntu should already know that most Linux distros don't come with closed-sourced codecs packed in, it's up to the user to make that choice.

I am a little wary of a mostly-good review of a system labeled 'You Get What You Pay For' on MSNBC, tainted by a very simple and easily fixed issue that is inherent with an operating system in direct competetion with the parent company hosting said review.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Rob, Iowa City, Iowa — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:15:51 GMT

Ease of installing and running Linux programs is the main reason I have not switched. Until Ubuntu can self install programs like Windows, I don't see it catching on in the mainstream. I am pretty good with computers, but I don't like to do a lot of guess work, or trying to find help just to complete what would be a simple install in Windows or OSX.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Ruel Smith, Cincinnati, OH — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:49:42 GMT

Honestly, I think the use of a dumbed-down Linux, like gPC appears to use, is bad. After all, isn't Linux pretty much free as in beer? So why this simplified desktop? Are we assuming that people that are in this target price range aren't intelligent enough to user a normal Linux desktop like Gnome or KDE?

Second, the choice of Linux bothers me. While Ubuntu is a popular choice, there are fare more user friendly versions of Linux for new users like Mandriva and PCLinuxOS. So why the Ubuntu choice? Because of the marketing machine behind it? It's a great Linux for those a little more versed in Linux, but for the target audience, I'd prefer to see either Mandriva or PCLinuxOS.

Lastly, the ommission of a DVD burner is bothersome. It doesn't cost any more to add a DVD burner than a combo drive such that is equipped.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Ruel Smith, Cincinnati, OH — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:55:57 GMT

As for Rob from Iowa City's comment, installing software in Linux is far easier than Windows, once you get a grasp of a different mindset. With package management systems like Synaptic/Apt, not only can one browse a whole catalog of items to install and put it all on their system in bunches, they can keep their whole system updated in just a few clicks of the mouse. Windows software installation is arcane, by comparison. With Windows, it's one app at a time and either a subscription to VersionTracker Pro, or visit each and every software title's website to stay up to date.

In many areas, Linux has left Windows behind...far behind...

PCs break the $200 barrier

Rick, Austin — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 16:57:53 GMT

While Linux is gaining in popularity, and there's a large segment of computer users who will bash Microsoft at all costs, the fact remains that Linux (even better known distributions, like Ubuntu) remain firmly in the realm of the 'uber-geek'.

As long as the uber-geek contingency continues to develop more tools and interfaces for other uber-geeks rather than for everyday users, everyday users will not be willing to sacrifice their familiar operating systems, browsers, and office suites.

Linux is a great tool, but it's being maintained and developed at a level that puts the tools beyond the level of everyday computer users. To install any version of Linux, you've got to burn a CD from a .iso file (which Windows doesn't have any native support for) and go through the motions of mounting cd drives, etc. What computer end user wants to go through that when Windows is so prevalent?

As the article points out, even pre-installed Linux PC's have to be endlessly tweaked.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Ruel Smith, Cincinnati, OH — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:13:43 GMT

Wow? They do? My Linux install pretty much setup itself (PCLinuxOS). As far as burning ISO's are concerned, it's a downside of the 'free' distribution system. The alternative is to actually purchase a copy of Linux by either buying a fully supported boxed set from Suse or Mandriva, or going to www.on-disk.com and purchase the service of them burning the ISO for you and mailing it to you for $5.99. This is compared with $200 copy of the lowest version of Vista they make for the full retail version?

Second, if you think the Linux desktop isn't for the normal user, you haven't tried KDE. Every previous Windows user I've come across that tried Linux with KDE said that it felt rather natural to them.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Mike, St. Louis — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:31:24 GMT

This article is biased. Windows also requires plugins and ActiveX extensions installed when using the Firefox and Internet Explorer browsers. Linux is very efficient (have you seen the poor specs on this machine?) and very powerful. If you are not an experienced PC user, Linux is not ready for prime time yet...but just wait, it is getting more user friendly every year and the latest Ubuntu releases are solid proof.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Jim Emme, San Diego, CA — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 18:08:41 GMT

One important point is that even windows users had to pick up a book or be taught how to use the OS. Ubuntu is a step in the right direction. No need for anti-virus or anti-spyware. Thousands of applications to choose from that self install from the menu bars, all free. Ease of use is exceptional. I suggest that those you who doubt search for Ubuntu on YouTube and see for yourself.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Michael kent oh — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:16:52 GMT

" As to the need to add plugins, the GNU license doesn't cover proprietary third-party software, so the need to download certain components directly from manufacturers can sometimes be required. "

Yes,this is true. Essentially,the license cripples the viability of the OS (once again). Most people have trouble even installing software. Anything beyond that is pretty much impossible for them. A typical user pulls his HP out of the box,plugs it in and does not change a thing. Thats why linux is pretty much useless to most end users. Even experienced users waste alot of time getting it to work. Your grandmother is not going to be able to use this computer.They would have been better off selling it for about 240 with a copy of windows. The fact is,the only people that run linux are linux "fanboys" who think anything linux MUST be perfect and people who need to run unix apps for scientific and engineering uses. Alot of those people dont even run linux,but instead buy macs.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Rick, Austin — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 01:32:28 GMT

Ruel, that's fine for your specific choice (PCLinuxOS)... but with literally HUNDREDS of distributions listed on distrowatch.com, how is a newbie supposed to pick one? I've heard good things about Ubuntu, so I tried to load it. No dice. I couldn't find any drivers for my onboard network card. Sure, I could have written one, but as an end user (rather than an uber), do I know how to do that? Nope, not even close.

I can figure out how to patch stuff and install programs on Linux.... by booting up my Windows box, using Firefox to find the driver, putting it on a CD, moving the CD over to the Linux box, etc etc etc, but isn't it jsut as easy to use XP in the first place?

PCs break the $200 barrier

Joshua Bailey, Baltimore, MD — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 07:22:33 GMT

Linux is clunky, but I'd say that Ubuntu is one of the better distros out there. It has a simple, clean interface, and looks modern in comparison to the latest Windows.

If you want a fresh machine to try Linux with, I don't think $200 is too bad for new hardware. It isn't top of the line, but Linux runs lower-grade hardware better than Windows does. You could probably find used hardware for a cheaper price, though.

This little box would fly like a rocket if you put Windows 2000 or Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs on there. (Good luck tracking down Windows FLP, though.) Windows 98 would run fast too, but like all non-NT Windows you'd have stability issues. Too bad ReactOS isn't hitting beta anytime soon because I'd have fun testing that out on fresh hardware.

I wonder how the VIA processor performs, though? I've only tried AMD and Intel processors so it would be cool to try another brand.

In regards to this whole Linux rules/Linux sucks argument, I'd say that until Linux is more standardized and you don't have to run to the command line every time you want to do something important, it won't be able to push into the mainstream against Windows. Mac OS X is UNIX-based so I don't see why it's impossible except for the whole rebelliousness of the open-source movement itself.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Andrey Sigurnjak — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 01:18:16 GMT

200 $ for a new pc , immune to viruses , burn cds ? i dont know about you folks that sound like a good deal .
as for installing stuff almost everyone has "a computer guy/girl" . for those with specific needs like gaming or bussine use they know what they want and need and this is not machine for them .
i use pc linux os and have booted into xp only few times since and never had to use command line .
one more thing i really like is synaptic . no more looking for software and wondering is it compatible with my os . and all my externals work, hp printer , webcam , hp digital camera wireles mouse .

PCs break the $200 barrier

Ronnie, San Jose CA — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 05:22:45 GMT

Cool system ... I would spend the extra $50.00 and buy myself a PowerSpec Computer ... Their entry level PC is at $250 That's with NO REBATES ... Yup $250.00 + Tax whereever you are and it works. I have purchased many of their PC's for my business and have never had any issues with them. Did I forget to mention that included an OS.

PCs break the $200 barrier

nathan, fremont, ca — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 05:16:13 GMT

I keep hearing people saying "get a used xp box off ebay, it's a better deal than this gpc". Uhh, does that used xp system have 1 year warranty and tech support? Can I return it if I don't like it? I ordered this everex pc from walmart online. If i don't like the OS, i'm putting ubuntu on it but either way, it seems like a deal to me.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Mark — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:34:25 GMT

A person who walks into a store to buy this Linux system has to walk past aisles of Windows games, apps, and hardware. They've have to be a dedicated Linux fanboy to buy this cheap Linux PC.

Some of you can be as cynical as you want about Windows but all of you acting and claiming that Linux is some perfect OS that doesn't have problems are simply lying and delusional.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Tom Benson — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 22:44:55 GMT

I am running Ubuntu as an alternative OS on one of three PC's I have. I'm also running Kubuntu (the alternate KDE interface of Ubuntu) on another -- again as a secondary OS. I love it and found even easier to install that Windows. Plus, Linux never crashes, nor does it present those aggravating Windows messages that, for most people, are cryptic at best. Yes, if you are going to share files with other users such as spreadsheets, text files, presentations, etc., you'll have problems. But, I believe the average home PC user will be far happier and more productive using one of these free operating systems. Plus, who want's to shell out hundreds of dollars for an OS when a perfectly viable option (and, in my opion -- better) exists?

PCs break the $200 barrier

ThomasT — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:49:15 GMT

Look, you could just go to Best buy (which already overprice anything that has to do with computers), pay $50 more than what this "everex" computer costs, and get a MUCH MUCH more powerful computer, which comes with windows vista. I don't know about you, but if I was in the market for a new, but low priced computer, I would definately pick the one at best buy over the everex.

PCs break the $200 barrier

Bob Wakanaka, Boise ID — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 20:39:21 GMT

I think my fried tootsies have hope again... one day Microsoft will be nothing more than a historical moment on the ladder of PC evolution. Think of COBAL... FORTRAN... BURROUGHS... Hurray for Wal-Mart! Finally! A Main-Stream PC that a lower income person can afford... it won't be long before PC's loaded with Linux put Microsoft out to pasture... Especially WHEN GOVERNMENT AGENCIES start SAVING OUR TAX DOLLARS buying PC's like this at Wal-Mart...

PCs break the $200 barrier

James Buchanan, Laurel, MD — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 14:06:58 GMT

Windows may be overpriced, overbloated, and overtly annoying, but it is fairly simple to update and upgrade. In this era of computing, though, if you're having trouble with plug ins and software add ons, log off the machine, pull the plug, and confine yourself to the history books.

A modern user should have enough intuitive understanding of these machines that adding Flash or Adobe to a machine should be no more complicated than knowing the difference between a TV and a DVD Player.

Shiny disk plus TV not function, must add DVD player to view...its really that simple. Knowing whose to use? Well, that's like asking whether to buy a Sony or Samsung. Which company do you trust, and has established brand identity in your mind.