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$200 PC Not what was expected, but a wonderful surprise!

walmart.com — Checkout the rave reviews on this $200 Linux PC. Great PC for surfing the net indeed! Surprising how people can so like Linux when it's offered as a mainstream choice on the PC they purchase. Let Linux roll baby!! Hooray!

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  • mckooiker, on 11/12/2007, -72/+7Quite impressive....3 out of 56 persons recommending the product....
    And two out of three that did not recommend it, expected to let it run XP (It's not their problem that they have problems reading....)
    [Key Features & Benefits: ...............gOS Software Applications and operating system ]
    Where does it say "XP"?
    (the same computer with an extra 512Mb of RAM (and an extra 100$) seems to run Vista.........)
    • Cloudime, on 11/12/2007, -5/+23Did you even read it? The entire first page recommended it, and most of the second page(way more than three).
      And you can't compare the other computer with Vista, $100 is a big difference, and Vista is by no means universally accepted as a better OS than Ubuntu.
      • TerrorByteX, on 11/12/2007, -8/+37Vista is barely even accepted as an OS.
    • foomandoonian, on 11/12/2007, -4/+6Wow. Look at your brain go!
    • JettaMan, on 11/12/2007, -6/+4Where's the monitor, keyboard and mouse? The price doesn't seem much lower when you factor that in.
    • Wacer, on 11/12/2007, -1/+3It shows 20 out of 20 recommending it on the first page alone. Your first figures are bogus so the rest of your comment is moot.
    • Jeffler, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2If you guys weren't so grammar nazi-ish, you'd realise that he obviously just mixed up numbers, cause the comment makes a lot more sense if its only 3 out of 56 not reccomending.
  • expert01, on 11/13/2007, -18/+266I see two reviews that are extremely low on that page. One says his PC took 20 minutes to boot and had no power. That's a defective PC, as this has plenty of power. The second said it didn't have enough power to run XP (and that it had an ITX mobo, which it doesn't).

    BULL *****.

    I bought XP home when it first came out and installed it on a P1 200MHz with 64MB of RAM and it operated just fine. Saying it won't run on a computer that is EIGHT TIMES more powerful is the biggest load of crock I've heard in a long time.
    • spawnfree, on 11/12/2007, -4/+31double that spec and xp will still be wayy slow.
      with 256 mb ram it will be fine.
      still all ancient hardware though, worth peanuts on ebay now.
    • likeyehokwhatev, on 11/12/2007, -2/+32Well yeah, but when you installed XP in (I'm assuming) '01, you were running programs from that requred/used nowhere near the resources apps and the internet require today
      • rekenner, on 11/11/2007, -7/+8Yeah, but I had to use a computer that was a total piece of ass last year, for about 9 months. I ran XP on it, and everything ran totally fine. It was a 700 or 750 MhZ Duron with 192 MB of RAM. Running Firefox, a few chat programs(AIM, mIRC, MSN), music player (Foobar), at the same time. It choked on massive PDFs, but that was about it.
        XP can run great on ***** hardware, as long as you have enough sense to know what to run. (A virus scanner ... would have probably brought my computer to a standstill, as would spyware.)
    • Gogogo111, on 11/12/2007, -3/+63http://www.winhistory.de/more/386/xpmini_eng.htm

      That person ran Windows XP with 8Mhz, 20Mb of ram lol.
      • idiotwithastick, on 11/13/2007, -0/+3It also took 30 minutes to boot up.
    • kaiwai, on 11/12/2007, -5/+14I second that, I'm a Mac fanboy, but those VIa processors are more than capable of powering even the heaviest of operating systems.
      • Firehed, on 11/12/2007, -1/+2They can power it fine, provided you give them enough RAM. I have a VIA system sitting not six feet away from me (though I'm typing on my MBP) and while it can run XP fine, you'd be mental to call it speedy. I could probably get Vista running on a ten-year-old Palm Pilot if I were so inclined, but that doesn't mean it'll be "usable".

        That said, this system will run XP (and, I expect, Vista) without a hitch. Mine is a 1GHz C3 with 256MB of RAM and a slow-ass laptop drive, and has run every OS I've tried installing on it. This one is a 1.5GHz C7 with 512MB of RAM, and probably a standard 7200RPM desktop drive. Sure, it won't compare to running any OS on your C2D/2GB system, but you didn't pay $199 for that thing either.
    • da_bradler, on 11/12/2007, -8/+4sheesh, impressive I could barely get windows 98 to run smoothly on my P2. lol although I think that's because windows 98 never runs smoothly
    • banmaster, on 11/12/2007, -6/+4"Surprising how people can so like Linux when it's offered as a mainstream choice on the PC they purchase."

      Choice? Sorry but I was under the impression that there was no choice as to what OS the $200 PC came with!!
    • bwad, on 11/12/2007, -3/+4Windows XP six years ago is nothing like the Windows XP Service Pack 2 of today. After two major service packs, which introduce many new features and hundreds of patches/improvements/bug fixes, you are bound to require more than you did over half a decade ago. Also take a look at software that ran on XP 6 years ago, MSN, Winzip, Acrobat Reader, Flash, Antivirus, Skype, blah blah... all requiring more resources.
      • Dumbledorito, on 11/11/2007, -0/+3Anything requires more resources if you run them at the same time.

        Do you just leave Acrobat and Winzip running in the background when you don't need them? Do you often leave your car's lights on when you're not in it, too?
      • thrallie, on 11/12/2007, -0/+4Use 7zip and Foxit Reader. There is no reason to use bloated software. Oh, and you can Nlite an XP Disc and get it to run 50% better on older hardware.
        • Bicep, on 11/15/2007, -0/+1Right on!! 7zip, Foxit, nLite - those are awesome programs!! Checkout http://tinyurl.com/265eff
          Foxit opens PDFs really quick!! Also, I've found that Foxit will print certain PDFs where Adobe Reader 8 will hang. 7zip lets you "ultra-zip" which makes your zip archive really small.
    • thaeastsida, on 11/14/2007, -1/+3NEVER DOUBT EXPERT-01
    • nytel, on 11/11/2007, -0/+1I have an Everex laptop I bought off NewEgg and it's amazing for the price it WAS!
    • synwolf, on 11/12/2007, -0/+3Just get an Eee PC.
  • chesstwin, on 11/12/2007, -12/+7Finally
  • ravexx, on 11/12/2007, -12/+76Viva la Penguin!!
    • EgaoNoGenki, on 11/12/2007, -2/+1I know I couldn't play my beloved EVE Online on this machine. Oh, and this comes with no monitor?? The $100 ($188 now) OLPC DOES come with a monitor, on the other hand.
  • livestradamus, on 11/12/2007, -2/+48It runs this flavor of linux:
    http://www.thinkgos.com/
    • livestradamus, on 11/13/2007, -5/+4by default ^
    • mckooiker, on 11/12/2007, -0/+4Actually gOS ran quite well in Virtualbox on top of my PCLinuxOS. I have a total of 512Mb RAM......
    • Barleyman, on 11/12/2007, -1/+5Is anyone else getting an error when trying to download torrent? Yes, I am on comcast, but I get error before anything downloads.
    • MikeCerm, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2I downloaded the gOS live CD, and it was horrible. The interface, while it looks nice in screenshots, is broken. It didn't work with my Intel wireless card (which works fine with Ubuntu, which gOS is based on). I really just have no idea why you'd run gOS and not something much more functional and better supported, like Ubuntu.
  • duffblue, on 11/12/2007, -5/+20What impact does this have on the industry? Any? Will we see prices drop a little from the big guys? (Voodoo, Dell, etc)
    • Matt2k, on 11/12/2007, -0/+13Probably not on low end machines. There's already not much margin.
      • BobTrips, on 11/11/2007, -1/+2Dell has a $369 ($349?) entry level machine with Vista.

        I would expect them to offer an even less expensive Linux model to counter Walmart.
    • Slackdragon, on 11/12/2007, -1/+4If by "industry" you mean Linux as a whole? Yeah, I think this could be a very positive step forward in market penetration. The more people you have running Linux as their primary OS, well, that's great news for Tux, innit?

      I mean, you don't see Mac's being sold at the largest retailer in the world at this point, do you? Can't have the mock turtle-neck crowd soiling their elbows by rubbing them with the git-r-done set.
  • maldog, on 11/12/2007, -1/+36FYI: As reported by Engadget, you can purchase the this Motherboard + CPU combo for only $60:
    http://www.clubit.com/product_detail.cfm?itemno=A4 ...
    • Matt2k, on 11/12/2007, -0/+16Anyone using this for a car PC?

      Not that I really need a computer in my car, but it sounds like a fun project. Having a GPS and mapping solution with MP3s would be neat.
      • Shootfast, on 11/12/2007, -0/+9I wish there was a decent voice recognition program for linux, then you could say things like "Computer, How far to home?" and it would tell you. That'd be sweet.
        • happytedium, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2"It can get lonely on the road, even for computers.."
    • MarcSage, on 11/13/2007, -11/+1sounds like an iphone...
      • MadModdr, on 11/12/2007, -1/+3I think you mean "Sounds like a SMARTphone".
    • Bicep, on 11/15/2007, -0/+1Dude. If you know of a place that sells a $200 PC - pleaz let us know!!
  • kidcodea, on 11/12/2007, -41/+5yeah so awesome for web when it doesnt even auto installs flash onto the browser...

    u expect granma to pull terminal and type syntax from space?

    get real
    • earlycj5, on 11/12/2007, -0/+23Yeah, because you need the terminal just to install Flash, wake up!

      You can do it all from Firefox. Next time please think before posting.
    • kazamx, on 11/12/2007, -0/+22huh? the first time you click on something that needs flash a box comes up saying "this requires flash, do you want to install it" you clck yes and it installs and tells you when its done.
      • localzuk, on 11/12/2007, -0/+12Which is exactly the same way it works in windows... In fact, my experience of installing flash on Ubuntu is now better than when I have to install it on a windows pc.
        • kidcodea, on 11/16/2007, -0/+1well i installed ubuntu 7.10 and thats definitley NOT how u install flash onto firefox.
    • bbardlbradd, on 11/12/2007, -2/+1I believe TFA reads something about it not having Firefox as a default browser, it uses something like "Webrunner". I'm not sure if this means it doesn't have ff @all, or it's there, but not as default. I know nothing about this so called "Webrunner" so it may be more difficult than just clicking ok when FF tells you too. Also, idk if your gma would even know what flash was or why it's needed. If they did know what it was and Webrunner didn't help you get it, you'd have to find FF, if it is even on your machine, or go get it to install flash... I don't know if most people (in the demographic that this machine exists for) would put (Need Flash) and (Get Firefox to DL Flash) together. :^/

      Just a thought...
      • gameforge, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2No. Re-read that "review" (that was NOT an article), and then try going to the OS developer's website: http://www.thinkgos.com/
        The guy in the review was saying that when you use the Google search in the top corner of the desktop, it doesn't open in the default browser (which is indeed Firefox) but instead opens in WebRunner. Second, given the YouTube icon on the OS' dock bar, I'm guessing that the included Firefox comes with Flash already installed.
      • bbardlbradd, on 11/12/2007, -1/+1Yeah, i know it's not an article, but TFA is a common used term, in this case not to mean it's objective meaning, but it's subjective one. I already know about gOS, thank you. If I didn't, I know where to find google.

        I think I made it clear enough that I wasn't sure of what I was saying, and that I was only making assumptions based on very little solid/credible information. Thanks for knowing what the default browser is though.
  • unclemeat, on 11/13/2007, -1/+138From the reviews:

    "when you want to jazz it up, just spend 10 bucks for a new linux distro "

    This made me laugh.
    • Paranoidmarvin, on 11/12/2007, -4/+41Yeah, he was very uninformed.
      Ubuntu professional costs $20.

      Noobs...
      • kwilliam, on 11/12/2007, -6/+28For those who are new to Digg: Paranoidmarvin's comment is a joke. (Ubuntu is completely free, and always will be.)
        • Flummoxer, on 11/12/2007, -1/+18Thanks for the clarification, sir.
        • TenebrousX, on 11/12/2007, -2/+25It's sad that we have to assume diggers don't know that linux is Free
          • potp, on 11/12/2007, -1/+10linux is free. linux distro are not always free. Red Hat, Xandros and Linspire all have a price.
          • GunDownCCL, on 11/12/2007, -1/+10ignore comment, wrong place.
        • Negyxo, on 11/13/2007, -0/+4explains a lot, no?
        • GianDoe, on 11/13/2007, -0/+8so we've officially given up on the whole digg geek esoteric thing? i've been in denial
    • tk0680, on 11/12/2007, -0/+7Playing devil's advocate, he may have been referring to a Linux package that comes with documentation, which is perfectly legal to charge for.
  • rommelfool, on 11/12/2007, -4/+47This machine would have been top of the line five years ago, yet now people think its too slow? Its fine for what it does...
  • TremorX, on 11/12/2007, -33/+13They're selling it at freakin' WALMART. The majority of people in Rural America that buy a computer at WalMart are the kind that tell you things like "I got me some Winders Two-oh-4 I think, is that a good'n? Can I play Deer Hunter?"

    While I'm all for selling machines with Linux mainstream, WalMart was NOT the best place to start.
    • hmunkey, on 11/12/2007, -2/+36So... the number 1 retail chain in America wasn't the best place to sell something? Please do explain.
    • rkzda, on 11/12/2007, -0/+11I agree with hmunkey. It's a damn great place, and I looked at this on the 2nd of november when it had 2 reviews and was still in stock. It sold out in just a few weeks of being available online and it is not a good place for it to be sold? I bet it will be a hot item if they sell it for 120 bucks on black friday. Ofcourse some will probably be disappointed if they don't know what they are buying.
      • asdfuku, on 11/12/2007, -0/+1Don't you think those with high expectations for a computer would know better than to assume a $120 PC from Walmart is going to fit their needs? Just sayin...
    • Slackdragon, on 11/12/2007, -0/+13Nice broad-brush over-generalization, there.

      THE defacto largest retailer on the planet is not the best place to start? I can see the boardroom meeting now... "I suggest we hold off on releasing this Linux machine in 4th quarter '07 because I read on Digg that our customer base is, and I quote, "rilly, rilly redneck and rilly rilly stupid about 'puters...'n stuff."
    • LastVisibleDog, on 11/12/2007, -4/+4Douche Bag Bigot
    • TremorX, on 11/12/2007, -1/+5Don't blame me, this comes straight from WalMart itself:

      "Even at the low end, however, image is everything. The gPC is built using tiny components, but put inside a full-size case because research indicates that Wal-Mart shoppers are so unsophisticated they equate physical size with capability."
    • JoemcC00L, on 11/12/2007, -0/+3This PC plays very well to Walmart's demographic. Many people shopping for a computer at Walmart need one for surfing the Internet, using office applications, and email. This PC excels at that. People willing to go out of their way to an electronics store would need a slightly more powerful computer, I would imagine. I too would like to see Linux PCs sold to other crowds, but this is a good starting point.
      On a side note, maybe companies like Netflix will better accommodate Linux users if they weren't all computer-savvy techies.
    • arbulus, on 11/12/2007, -0/+4You know what? It doesn't matter what computer people run, the important part is for everyone to HAVE a comptuer, even if it's a eMachines box. But the machine discussed here is a great opportunity for people to see Linux in action. A very large number of people are not savvy enough to D/L a linux distro, burn it and install it. but if it's pre-installed, it gets people's attention and they can see it and work with it to learn about it. i think this is a wonderful opportunity.
  • maldog, on 11/12/2007, -9/+11dupe post sorry!
  • reed311, on 11/12/2007, -22/+13Why the hell are you getting so excited about an operating system?
    • justinjacobs, on 11/13/2007, -0/+27This is Digg. It's supposed to be (or at least it used to be) a tech website where us nerds can get excited about operating systems, new gadgets, and hacks. But I just assume you're here for the "Ow My Balls!" marathon that is the current Digg. *sigh*
    • stonewaljacksn, on 11/12/2007, -5/+6HA HA HA. talk about gadgets. Digg is a place for techies to pretentiously whine and complain about how stupid the mainstream is when it comes to computers.
      • GianDoe, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2do you bitch about the 90 year old blue haired lady who can barely see over the wheel of her buick roadmaster doing 40mph in the fast lane during rush hour? need i piece this together for you?
    • dcherryholmes, on 11/12/2007, -0/+5Because many people believe that purchasing a computer with linux pre-installed will finally allow Joe Schmoe to make an honest comparison between linux and windows.
    • Cloudime, on 11/12/2007, -0/+6You are the cancer that is killing Digg.
  • theDevilsDue, on 11/12/2007, -8/+58A week or so ago all the reviews were negative. After the gPC hit the front page of Digg -- 4 Stars? I call *****. Personally, I'm curious to see what the "real" Wal Mart customers will have to say about the gPC.
    • Matt2k, on 11/13/2007, -1/+25You have to take the reviews with a bit of skepticism. Like 50 some reviews were written over the course of a few days, which is extreme. And the reviewers that did comment are almost ALL talking about how sweet Linux is, not about the machine itself. You'll note that you don't actually have to have purchased the computer to write a review.

      Take it for what you will.
    • rkzda, on 11/12/2007, -4/+9The reviews look real to me, it was in stock when it hit digg, now it is not.
    • opnickc, on 11/12/2007, -0/+4I sorted the reviews by oldest-newest, and while there were some negative, the early ones were still largely positive. It looks like the reviews were positive before digg came along, though it's still worth taking with a grain of salt since people didn't have to buy it to review it.
    • mojotooth, on 11/12/2007, -5/+11"Real Wal-mart customers" talk like this:
      Cletus: Watch out for the skunk, them things can go off even after they's dead
      Brandine: Cletus, what are you flappin' your gums about?
      Cletus: Never you mind Brandine, you just go back to birthin that baby.
  • kahrytan, on 11/12/2007, -5/+7One word ... AWESOME!
  • vat0r, on 11/13/2007, -2/+71Now all we need is cheap high speed internet for everyone.
  • TheDatabit, on 11/12/2007, -0/+42I think WalMart was the best place to start with a low end cheap Linux PC. WalMart shoppers aren't looking for quality, they are looking for cheap and will easily "sacrifice" Windows for Linux if it's cheap.
    I want to see some reviews from computer novices, while most of the reviews here seem like they are definitely no Linux users they still seem to know about Linux in a sense. I want to see the reviews from grandma that go:
    Not long after I turned it on my daughter sent me a mail. I hadn't even called her and told her I had a new computer, How did she know which computer to send it to?
    • BobTrips, on 11/13/2007, -2/+6I've barely been inside a Walmart. (We've kept them out of our area in order to preserve local ownership of businesses.)

      My impression is that Walmart sells "decent" quality at a very good price.

      "Cheap" is KMart, Dollar Store, etc. They put some real crap on their shelves.

    • OrangeTide, on 11/12/2007, -1/+6The problem with Walmart are the people that shop at them complain about how their factory jobs are all going overseas, but they don't notice all the cheap stuff at Walmart is made in China. If the factory workers won't buy American to save their own jobs, then who will?
    • Gavagai80, on 11/12/2007, -0/+4It's long observed that linux is easier or at least as easy for someone who's never used a computer before (which makes sense since it requires more knowledge to destroy), so I doubt you want to hear from newbies. You want to hear from Windows and OS X users.
    • MacSuxWindozSux, on 11/13/2007, -0/+2Is that why they sell so many Britney Spears "AnAl bum Covers" ?
  • iOsiris, on 11/13/2007, -2/+31it runs better than those eMachines back in the day without the bloated crap that comes with it too
    • bsmang, on 11/11/2007, -1/+7That's not saying much.
      • BobTrips, on 11/11/2007, -0/+5That's saying a lot. eMachines were quite good value. Not 'big' enough for gamers, but for those of us who use the web, work on our finances, edit our photos, etc....
      • MadOgre, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2They ran awesome when you reformatted and installed the OS clean.
        • Bicep, on 11/15/2007, -0/+1With Linux - Formatting clean and reinstalling an OS (many many varieties for all purposes) is actually simpler and more straightforward than installing Windows. Oh.. and also you don't get the Windows Disadvantage.. hey!
  • dn11, on 11/12/2007, -16/+6POS - you could cobble together an internet computer with Linux practically for free these days out of used parts, why pay $200 for this?
    • dn11, on 11/12/2007, -4/+5to clarify: we should be reusing all the still perfectly functional parts already produced rather than pumping more crapware onto the market destined for landfills in the near future
      • xenuxenuts, on 11/12/2007, -1/+5white box vendors can do that. Supporting a wide variety of (used) hardware on a national scale would be a nightmare.
      • tautology, on 11/12/2007, -1/+1What about all of the time and resources you have to spend configuring and maintaining that old box, when you could just recycle it?

        I don't know about you, but it is much more economical for me -- and the environment -- to just pay the $200 and recycle the old box. I have other things to do.
      • Mohonri, on 11/12/2007, -1/+2Not everybody has a box of spare parts sitting around the house, or knows someone who does.

        Besides, with the low-power CPU on board and no add-in graphics card, this thing must only pull a few dozen watts. So it's good for the environment. In addition, since it's running a flavor of Linux, it won't get bogged down with malware like a Linux machine, so the owners won't feel the need to junk it after a year.
    • RedShoulder, on 11/12/2007, -1/+6This isn't for those of us that can buy the $60 Mobo (or re-use and old one) and piece together our own system. This is for the masses that shop at Wal-Mart and need an inexpensive PC to do basic functions.

      There are companies that recycle old PCs and donate them, but they are few and far between. Instead of ranting about the "carbon impact" this may have why not start one of these recycling businesses or provide information to others about where to send their old parts? Are you out on the street picketing (or in the forums Trolling) the release of every new cell phone, laptop, iPod or car that makes it to market as well?
      • dn11, on 11/12/2007, -0/+3"There are companies that recycle old PCs and donate them, but they are few and far between" that is my point. and I do donate all my old parts to such a recycler - 90% of people that upgrade their PC don't.... "Are you out on the street picketing (or in the forums Trolling) the release of every new cell phone, laptop, iPod or car that makes it to market as well?" No i just don't buy them. (btw, where did I say anything about "carbon impact"? that is only one aspect of this - the other being toxic materials being dumped in mass into land fills)
  • najdorf, on 11/12/2007, -7/+2Hmmm it's an interesting idea, some kind of computer-console for the masses. You get the apps, you stick to those.

    I wonder how this will go when you need to update your software though. Either the gOS makers continue to update the system (and people can download the updates automatically) or it will really suck fast.
    • dcherryholmes, on 11/12/2007, -0/+4It's based on the latest version of Ubuntu. Therefore, I would imagine that updates would go about like updates to CentOS go with Redhat. Obviously it really depends on the effort the gOS team puts into it.
  • theghoul, on 11/12/2007, -6/+93Those reviews are a little fishy. Why?

    * The mostly read alike, using words like "phenomenal". Are these Walmart Customers??
    * Most of the reviews are anonymous.
    * Most of the reviewers have only reviewed this product and nothing else from Walmart.

    I'm a Linux lover like most diggers, but lets not use deception to promote the OS. It will stand on its own in time.
    • Spikeli27, on 11/12/2007, -12/+1u telling me u have never shopped at walmart?
      • CatalystGhost, on 11/12/2007, -0/+20Seriously, dude. If you're taking the time to spell out the other words, you can take the damn time to add two more letters to those u's.
        • samzklub, on 11/12/2007, -1/+3I feel that ***** man. Dugg for stating the obvious.
    • brindon, on 11/12/2007, -1/+13Who are these freaks that refer to "low-class" Wal-Mart customers?

      How is life in the ivory tower? I'll come up and visit when I run out of cake...
      • jmnugent, on 11/12/2007, -3/+12The cake is a lie.
      • tech42er, on 11/14/2007, -0/+3To tell you the truth, I agree with you. Obviously, Walmart customers are not rich, but this idea that all Walmart customers are uneducated hicks is ridiculous. It's one thing when it's a joke, but I hope people don't seriously believe this. It's pretty much *****. Walmart shoppers range from the lower middle class to the upper middle class.
        • Bicep, on 11/15/2007, -0/+1tech42er, I agree.
          Also, it's going to be funny when Wal-Mart GNU/Linux kids that own the $200 pc are more computer literate(like the russian kids see here: http://tinyurl.com/3dujox) than Vista user kids!

          Freedom is priceless baby!
    • MacSuxWindozSux, on 11/12/2007, -1/+2Wallmart in extreme majority, sells chinese, and other foreign made goods. Quality in workmanship and materials is sacrificed to lower manufacturing costs.
      Walmart also lowers the standard of living, in areas it moves into. It pushes higher paying jobs, and jobs with better benefits out, as it out competes rival businesses.

      You might disagree, but before you do, ask yourself if you have actually looked into this, or are you merely holding a baseless opinion.
    • ArthurArchnix, on 11/12/2007, -0/+1I was thiinking the same thing, and just came here to digg up the first guy that said it. Shame it took so long to find one person who doubted that these actually represent different people.
  • Subcranium, on 11/12/2007, -13/+5Anyone try to run MacOS on this yet?
    • Circuitsoft, on 11/12/2007, -2/+3The processor has the instructions to support it, but it'll still be rather tough to turn this into a Hackintosh.
    • brindon, on 11/12/2007, -1/+2Should be able to run it with a graphics card and more RAM, the processor is correct. Wouldn't be hard to get it running.
  • djangoxl, on 11/12/2007, -2/+12It looks very nice, and I'm really thinking at purchasing one for my Mother as well. This would be the thing she needs. Nice product!!
  • angrykeyboarder, on 11/13/2007, -5/+3Calm down, boy...
  • crtjer, on 11/12/2007, -1/+17Yeah I'm a little skeptic of those reviews. I'm glad that a computer is $200 running Linux, that's great! It definitely makes less people scared of it. However people saying it will run Vista I'm not too sure about that. Really would be a great PC for kids or even teens who just use the internet and listen to music.
    • carpespasm, on 11/12/2007, -1/+6i'm sure it'll run vista, just in the same way that any pc that said it was Vista Ready a year or two ago would run vista.
      • angrykeyboarder, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2My machine never said "Vista ready" and it runs Vista just fine...
    • KyferEz, on 11/13/2007, -1/+5Please don't ruin a good machine by installing vista!
    • arbulus, on 11/12/2007, -0/+4It would be a great pc for kids and teens to use the net.

      Any version of Windows however is the scariest thing you can put on a PC destined for kids and teens to browse the net. It'll be destroyed by malware in about a day.
  • Bicep, on 11/12/2007, -8/+10Ok so the only thing that sucks is that they're out of stock online! (Got mine in time though - heh!)
    I've emailed walmart to get more of these systems in stock ASAP here: http://tinyurl.com/qcgg - I suggest you do the same.
    Does anybody know some of the execs at walmart or Everex? Tell these people to get more of these machines!!
    What's awesome about this system is that it a.) Completely changes the landscape in terms of price for a new pc and(more importantly) b.) Gives people an easy way to get familiar with GNU/Linux.
    This PC is great for surfing the web not only because it's cheap but because since it's loaded with GNU/Linux, it's much safer than Windows from an Antivirus/AntiMalWare standpoint.
    Also, there are hundreds to thousands of FREE and useful open source applications available for GNU/Linux so paying $200 for this PC is only the tip of the iceberg in the great value this system offers.
    Make it known .. GNU/Linux is the future baby!
    • Vikingtrooper, on 11/12/2007, -10/+2There is also plenty of free software for Windows.

      Only a small percentage of Linux open source software is worth running, even on a 200£ machine.
      • Bamborzled, on 11/13/2007, -0/+6"There is also plenty of free software for Windows."
        Yep, like VLC, Firefox, GIMP, Inkscape, Pidgin, OpenOffice.org... hey, what's going on?
    • RedShoulder, on 11/12/2007, -0/+4The e-mail to Corporate is not a bad idea, but its all about the money. Outstanding sales will drive it back into the stores and I cannot find it in any stores in the SF Bay Area and only one store in Sacramento at the time of this comment.
      I'm hoping these sales are affecting the store's Windows PC sales to keep the fires of competition raging strong! You can bet (money, again) that fans and supporters of GNU/Linux aren't the only ones aware of the rapid sales...
  • STKD, on 11/12/2007, -24/+8Buried as, once again... "Yet Another Linux Spam Article. [t.m.]"
  • krnldmp, on 11/12/2007, -12/+3Haa haa. I've been waiting for this to happen. And for all of you that never thought it would, well, I'm sorry you paid for your operating system.
    • Piggycow, on 11/12/2007, -1/+5What happened exactly? It's not like the first free OS just came out...
      • krnldmp, on 11/12/2007, -6/+2What happened exactly is they're selling it cheaper or making more money on it than they can with Microsoft product and it's selling out.That's what. Thanks for digging me down too.
        • Matt2k, on 11/12/2007, -0/+3Not to be crass, but are you mentally retarded?

          . How are they making more money on it? Do you have inside knowledge of their purchase levels?
          . This isn't the first product to "sell out" in the history of the world. It happens all the time. Wild guess -- maybe they didn't stock that many to begin with. Do you know what their inventory levels were?
          . Why are you sorry that people have paid for an operating system. I grow vegetables in my garden. I feel sorry for anyone who's had to buy them ! Also once I paid for a copy of BSDI. Seriously, what the ***** is your point.
          . Free operating systems aren't some new invention. Like the above poster said. Nor is this the first time a "linux" machine has been sold. You do realize that *nix has been around for a few years, and is commonly available for purchase pre-installed, right?

          In summary: ???
  • HappyScrappy, on 11/12/2007, -14/+2This site is suffering from the "Ron Paul effect".

    Clearly, those with an agenda to plug Linux have gotten to this site and posted reviews that are either bogus or just posted accurate reviews so disproportionately that the overall result is useless as a measure as to determining what the overall population thinks.
  • Meep3D, on 11/12/2007, -12/+12Call me when it doesn't require constant CLI work to get working. And don't claim it doesn't because I am using Ubuntu on my laptop and have had no choice but to engage in console-fu at least half a dozen times.
    • localzuk, on 11/12/2007, -1/+9I installed Mandriva on my machine 2 weeks ago and haven't had to touch the CLI. I have installed Ubuntu on the same machine last week, and again haven't had to touch the CLI. What were you required to do at the CLI? Are you sure you weren't using the CLI as it is quicker to copy and paste commands than it is to follow 4000 'click here, then click here' instructions?
      • Vikingtrooper, on 11/12/2007, -5/+2I used Kubuntu for 3 weeks and had to use CLI more than i care to remember. I have nothing against using it, but its NOT what i would like to see in an OS.
        Even with a distro like Kubuntu, there are just things that needs CLI. Adept does not cover everything. Try to get a decent looking GUI on Firefox without it.

        CLI is fine for pro use, but its not and will never be, the flavour of the standard home user.
      • dcherryholmes, on 11/12/2007, -0/+1What do you mean by "decent looking GUI" for firefox?
    • LoveWidescreen, on 11/12/2007, -10/+6Spoken like a real Windows dweeb. The CLI is where the real power of any *NIX-based operating system lies. If you're too lazy to learn some CLI commands in order to REALLY make the operating system do what it can do, then go back to Windows where you belong.
      • Vikingtrooper, on 11/12/2007, -7/+6This is all about a 200$ PC with Linux.

        Most buyers will NOT have the patience to learn any CLI commands, and rightly so. In mainstream use the CLI belongs back in the 70's.
        • dcherryholmes, on 11/13/2007, -1/+3Sure. Nobody's hit the "Run" button since 1979.
      • arbulus, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2Yes, the CLI is power and I will always be happy with the fact that I can use it on my Linux box whenever I want. Sometimes, when I get frustrated with a GUI app, I'll just pop open a terminal and do my task there. It's great that I have that option.

        However, new users and people unfamiliar with linux (i.e. long time windows users) will never touch linux if they have to go to the CLI for something. They want GUI all the way. Why not give them the option? As long as you can do any task in a GUI as well as CLI (whatever your preference) then things are great. But Linux distros have to primarily GUI based to bring the new users.
    • LuTze, on 11/12/2007, -1/+4Everyone understands that CLI is powerful but it should be option not a requirement. I am not saying Linux needs it always (I have used it often when I initially moved to Kubuntu and was experimenting but now use it as often as I use it on Vista or OS X. Even in Windows, the CLI is very useful for power users to do some things but it is silly to say that a regular non-power user has to learn it to be allowed to use Linux. (Full disclosure: I use Kubuntu, Vista and OS X every day and enjoy at least the first two most of the time)
    • tehjarvis, on 11/12/2007, -3/+4Using Linux and complaining about the command line is like using a Mac and complaining about the dock. You knew what you were getting in to, Einstein.
      • Gavagai80, on 11/12/2007, -1/+2Not at all. It's good to have CLI confidence, sure, but the fact that I happen to prefer a GUI has never hindered me. The CLI only comes into play in extreme circumstances, like ATI's proprietary drivers breaking on a distro upgrade (which can be solved by buying Intel, not that I follow my own advice).
    • Gavagai80, on 11/12/2007, -0/+4*ring* The only thing I ever use the command line for (and I've been running linux exclusively since '04) is SSH access to my server. You're probably following instructions on forums or trying to make it work with odd hardware (which is the point of buying a pre-loaded PC).
    • basic0, on 11/13/2007, -0/+5At work, my co-worker had to do the set-up for our Linux intranet server. He's a Mac guy, I'm the Linux guru, but I was busy coding. Anyways, he got Ubuntu Feisty installed and set up as a LAMP server (incl. PEAR libraries) with two FireWire drives, one shared by SAMBA, the other an unshared backup drive for the first. Once he finished that, he took a break; set up GAIM, and IM'ed his girlfriend while playing some Tetravex.

      When I asked him to check something for me in the terminal (old habits die hard), he had to ask me WHERE to find the terminal.
    • ArthurArchnix, on 11/12/2007, -0/+1Can I write you? I lost your phone number. Just post your email address in the reply.
  • Vikingtrooper, on 11/12/2007, -14/+2Why the hell would someone be so happy about an OS from the 70's?

    People who buy 200$ computers from Wall-mart are unlikely to get more than tears from a Linux PC.
    • arbulus, on 11/12/2007, -1/+3Firstly, (this goes out to a number of people who have done this) the dollar sign goes in front of the number, like this: $200.

      Secondly, linux wasn't developed in the 70's it was developed in the 90's.

      Thirdly, name any Linux distro going strong today and it will blow Windows away in almost every respect. Performance, eye candy, stability, security, etc.

      Foruthly, if people only need to browse the net and write email, maybe make a few word processor docs, then why spend the money on Windows? Any linux distro can provide the ability to do all of that with so much more stability and security.

      think of it: your parents buy a new computer, but once a week they call you to come over and help them fix it. You have to reinstall Windows pretty much every time you go over because the malware has eaten the computer alive. But if the purchased a Linux box, you will NEVER have to worry about malware or security issues. they will have a stable, secure box and won't have to call you for anything.
  • wilf_brim, on 11/12/2007, -2/+9RTFRs. There was one that really caught my eye. A more computer saavy user was asked to get the least expensive computer that they could find for an elderly relative. They brought this home Wal Mart abd paired it with an old monitor they had lying around. He was about to take it back when he discovered it used Linux (actually thought it was a return that somebody had installed Linux), but he gave it a try. His elderly relative did very well with the apps, and has no trouble getting email, using Firefox, and sending IMs.
    I've been a Linux on the desktop doubter for some time, but I'm beginning to wonder if this may be the start of a flood over to Linux, especially on lower end. If it can be made simple enough to use, and simple enough to add new programs (a "click it and it works" package manager) this could be it. I'm tempted to buy one just to play with it.
    • Vikingtrooper, on 11/12/2007, -1/+2If you want to play with Linux, why not buy a 2nd hand PC and download Ubuntu?
      You should be able to have a system running for around 50$
      • wilf_brim, on 11/12/2007, -1/+2Two words: hardware compatibilities. I'd consider turning an older system at home to Ubuntu but I'd bet many dollars that some of the mobo hardware (audio, video, network, SATA controllers) won't work.
        • tsmithe, on 11/12/2007, -1/+3I would bet more dollars that most, if not all, of it would work. And work first boot.
        • marx2k, on 11/13/2007, -0/+0Just try it with a bootable distro CD
  • Thomaschaaf, on 11/12/2007, -10/+2Don't buy at walmart!
    • brindon, on 11/12/2007, -3/+3Suck my *****?
    • alphaterminus, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2Ok, so in a rural Iowa town I'll drive 120 miles to Best Buy to buy a new keyboard for 3x the price or to shop at Target so I can pay twice as much and be en vogue.

      Elitist *****.
      • marx2k, on 11/13/2007, -0/+0Or... you can order online and save [your] gas
        • alphaterminus, on 11/15/2007, -0/+1Amazon orders don't arrive in 30 minutes when your daughter spills chocolate milk on your keyboard.
  • Eoxx, on 11/12/2007, -1/+17The march of the pinguins has started ... with a pc in a price lower than Ms office price, it comes with a bunch of full applications that covers the needs of 80% of people buying a computer : office program,multimedia program, internet surfing,chat program, mini games etc .. and it doesn't consume lot of energy - Who can honestly say it isn't a good thing ?
    • Vikingtrooper, on 11/12/2007, -7/+2Yes now they can send odt and ogg files which no one in their family can use, and chances are, that they don't know how to save as anything else.
      • cawfee, on 11/12/2007, -2/+2Love all the frowny linux paladins digging you down. It's true, both for music / video and general speadsheets / documents. OpenOffice results, even when exported to the .doc format, will still look different than they do on the originating system. In defense of .ogg, at least all the big media player software supports that standard.
        • Macskeeball, on 11/12/2007, -1/+1iTunes doesn't support Ogg Vorbis unless you add a QuickTime plugin, and the only way to get support for it on an iPod is to install a third party OS (Rockbox or iPod Linux).
  • mdman, on 11/12/2007, -8/+2Ya. Im running out to get this POS right away!
  • Vikingtrooper, on 11/12/2007, -8/+2Linux is not the OS you want on a PC aimed at casual user marked.

    Saving files in various open source formats (ogg, odt ect.) will give people more problems than they deserve. I have tried to install Linux on peoples machines, and the inability to swap files with their family, is one of the complaints.

    Another issue is the is the lack of know-how in the close family. Most families have a somewhat PC savy member, who can swap a few pieces of hardware and generally get people out of minor trouble. These family "super-users" do normally not support Linux.

    Third problem is: eventually you will need CLI work. While this is fine for the more advanced PC user, it has absolutly no place in mainstream computers. People do not understand it and they do not want to use it.

    • archiesteel, on 11/12/2007, -1/+4Wow, lots of red herrings in your anti-Linux FUD:

      1) People don't save in .ogg, nor do they do in .mp3 for that matter. Meanwhile, Winamp does read ogg files.

      2) OpenOffice saves in .doc and .xls format - not that "ordinary" users share that much documents anyway (they usually print them)

      3) This is an "Internet Appliance" machine. It is not meant to be constantly upgraded with hardware and software. Also, basic Windows maintenance (such as removing viruses and spyware) is not necessary on such a machine. In any case, this is a good opportunity for the PC "super-user" to get acquainted with Linux, which is only going to become more common in the future.

      4) You *don't* need CLI work for ordinary web-surfing users, which is what this PC is aimed at. You're thinking from a Windows advanced user's point of view.

      Quit being so negative!
      • Vikingtrooper, on 11/12/2007, -1/+1Well sorry for not being a native speaker, but I'm sure you are able to understand what i mean, when i write save in ogg.
        The main item is, that people end up with files, that some other people can't use.

        I personally use nothing but OpenOffice, and are simply quoting people who have complained to me, after i installed it on their machine.

        Linux is not going to be the OS of the future. Its a relic, although it might be a much loved relic.
        Hopefully someone with the ability to rethink the the whole OS concept, will come along and design what we will be using in 10 years. We can hope its Open source, but it will not be Linux, or any other Unix based OS.

        When i have something good to say about Linux, i surely will- but TBH i did not like using it, even if its still on my laptop.
        • OrangeTide, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2People have saved files that other people could not read since the beginning of home computers. What is your point? WMP won't save MP3s anymore either.
          Too bad for you that nobody has come up with a better abstraction than Unix. And once you wrap a GUI around it you don't notice the Unix bits underneath. (Mac OS X is more Unix than Linux ever will be!)
          • arbulus, on 11/11/2007, -0/+1Linux isn't trying to be Unix. BSD is Unix, and of course now OS X Leopard is Unix.

            Linux is not Unix, nor was it ever trying to be. They are very different operating systems. BASH commands are the same on both, just like using Firefox on Mac and Ubuntu is the same. But that's not the OS, it's an application.

            If you think Linux is just trying to be Unix, then you are sadly misinformed.
          • schnikies79, on 11/12/2007, -0/+1WMP 11 will make rip to mp3 just fine, you just have to set it to do so. No 3rd party plugins or anything else needed. In WMP 9 and below you had to add the functionality but it came already built in with WMP 10.

          • tech42er, on 11/12/2007, -0/+1arbulus, are you kidding? Linux is not trying to be UNIX? That's asinine. It's a clone of UNIX that uses no proprietary code.
          • arbulus, on 11/12/2007, -0/+1@tech42er
            are YOU kidding? Linux was conceived to be a free and open interpretation of Minix. Linus' Minix = Linux.
    • OrangeTide, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2"Third problem is: eventually you will need CLI work. While this is fine for the more advanced PC user, it has absolutly no place in mainstream computers. People do not understand it and they do not want to use it."

      I haven't tried the wallyworld computer, but the eeepc's linux distro I have not had to touch the CLI yet to use the standard functionality. On windows I often go to the CLI to run ipconfig because there does not appear to be an easy gui to do the same diagnostics of DNS and DHCP.
    • init100, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2"Saving files in various open source formats (ogg, odt ect.) will give people more problems than they deserve."

      The same thing can be said about the new OOXML formats. I have read plenty of complaints about Office 2007 and its "strange" default format that doesn't work with anything else. The success of the earlier binary formats is now a problem for Microsoft, as that is what people expect and know how to use, not their new .docx, .xlsx, .pptx, etc.
  • TheBigBentley, on 11/12/2007, -1/+9Its a shame most of the reviewers don't appear to be new to Linux which is the whole point of this machine.
    • TheG2, on 11/11/2007, -0/+3The point of the machine was a cheap entry level machine, not to stroke the ego of the linux community.
      • Gavagai80, on 11/11/2007, -0/+1What, you mean it could be some sort of horrible secret scheme to make money?
  • Sidzilla, on 11/11/2007, -0/+5I notice on the ad that it is sold out on line. This is a great thing for Linux, in my opinion. The people buying this machine are probably the sort who want to check email and visit AOL chat rooms. Since AOL is available as a web site, it should suit them fine. As long as they use it like an appliance for surfing the web, they will have a lot less trouble than running a Windows PC. No viruses to speak of, and most of the malware wont run, so they will have a trouble free computing experience for the first time in their lives. There is no reason to set up someone like that with a high end computer capable of running the latest games. If Bejeweled will run on this, there will be no stopping Linux!
  • DanaG, on 11/11/2007, -0/+6One thing I didn't like about this system is it's size. I'd be more interested in an inexpensive PC about the size of a mac mini.

    Just for fun I tried to spec-out a system using an ITX case and motherboard from http://www.mini-box.com/ , this is what I found.

    $69.50 Intel D201GLY Mini-ITX Motherboard
    $45.00 1GB DDR2 Memory
    $76.95 Morex 3677 Black Mini-ITX Enclosure with 60w PSU
    ----------
    $191.45 Total (minus shipping)

    Mini-box doesn't seem to carry hard drives, so over to http://www.newegg.com/

    $39.99 LG Slim 24X Combo Drive
    $62.99 Western Digital Scorpio 80GB 2.5" Drive
    -----------
    $102.98 Total (minus shipping)
    ======
    $294.43 Total (minus shipping)

    Not too bad for something almost the size of a mac mini. Any comments? Suggestions?
    • pacslash, on 11/12/2007, -5/+3Your computer seems to be lacking a cpu.
      • SiXiam, on 11/12/2007, -1/+5The board has an integrated cpu. Couldn't you check the facts before accusing someone of being a moron.
        ___
        I like the build DanaG. Newegg has the same board a little cheaper ($59.99) and I'm sure that you can find a 1gb stick of DDR2 ram for under $30 there as well, but awesome none the less...

        Digged Up and Away!!!
        • DanaG, on 11/11/2007, -0/+1Yup, you're right. I missed that.

          $10 off the motherboard, more than $20 off the RAM (1GB Crucial DDR2 on sale w/$5 rebate).

          Mini-box has a better selection of cases though.
      • daengbo, on 11/12/2007, -0/+0Yeah, but with SIS662 graphics, you'd better not want to do ANYTHHING with the computer. Even video sucks on that graphics chipset.
    • thepxc, on 11/12/2007, -1/+2I actually read that they decided to get a bigger case because (stupid) Wal-Mart shoppers tend to equate physical size with power.

      Lame, I know, but they're probably right.
  • jmnugent, on 11/12/2007, -2/+11I'm really suspicious of all the "anonymous" reviews that seem to all use the same wording and linux-fanboy attitude. Dont get me wrong.. I dont dislike Linux.. hell, I've got a Windows box, a new Macbook and a Ubuntu box here at home. They all have their PRO's and CON's...

    "Hey..this is a great box if ALL you want to do is... x/y/z...".... what happens when you want to do more ?... and trust me.. end users eventually ALWAYS want it to do more.

    And on the topic of Windows virus/malware... true, Windows does have more.. but what happens when Linux develops into a large market share?... more people will write virus's for Linux and more people will get infected because they just bought the system at the store and choose all the default security options without knowing what they are doing (dont know how to secure their boxes) Windows isnt guaranteed to get infected, I've been running my Windows box for many years and never had a virus or malware. Why?.. because I protect myself and make wise decisions about what to install/not-install.

    The problem isnt the OS or the hardware.. its the users.... nothing will change until users become more educated.
    • Vikingtrooper, on 11/12/2007, -3/+0Amen to that.

      Unfortunatly the casual user will not become more educated (actually thats what casual means).
    • gpsblake, on 11/12/2007, -4/+2Linux is just as capable of getting malware, viruses, trojans, and other security threats. The difference is, hardly no one writes them for Linux. And Linux isn't going to develop into anything major with the general public, I've been hearing this for ten years now. Linux is always behind when it comes to driver support (not their fault) and the newest games don't generally run on Linux ( not their fault). And people claim it's stable but go to any Linux support forum and you'll see otherwise.

      Linux is good for geeks, bad for general public. Hopefully, it remains that way. Yes, I dual boot with XP and Ubuntu.
      • Gavagai80, on 11/11/2007, -0/+2Your utter lack of understanding of programming and security are a danger to the world or at least any computer you touch, you know. Linux security is far from perfect -- OpenBSD's is much better -- but to say it's no different from Windows is laugable to anyone who actually understands how to go about securing a system. And to say nobody targets it is laughable when linux machines are most of the highest value targets in the world, and indeed are often hacked for that reason. Usually due to outdated software, but at least linux makes it as easy as possible to keep up to date, unlike windows. A really well informed, intelligent windows user can be pretty safe, but it's easier with linux.
    • Gavagai80, on 11/11/2007, -0/+1The "all you want to do" is the opposite of what a linux fanboy would say, so I'd take those as indicators that the reviewer doesn't like linux. Personally I don't consider my wants to be piddling and limited, it's all the things I wanted to do which windows wouldn't let me do as easily which brought me to linux.
    • KyferEz, on 11/12/2007, -0/+2Don't expect users to become educated. Most don't want to. Linux will work because unlike commercial systems, you don't have to pay for updates, won't have to worry about activation, and won't have piracy of the OS which leads to unpatched systems and infected installs. Also, antivirus for linux already exists, but is only installed on servers in most cases.

      Why are there so many rampant virii in Windows? Blame goes in all directions, but I'm particurally peeved at major PC vendors like Dell who install suites like Norton Internet Security which only work for a year, after which, unless the user purchases a new license (which doesn't happen more often than not) their PC is unprotected.

      my $0.02
  • picpak, on 11/11/2007, -1/+3We paid $400 for a computer with the same specs not too long ago. Get this thing in Canada, fast!
  • dmrowley, on 11/11/2007, -1/+2Drop in a Hauppauge TV card, MythTV Box anyone????
  • zdiggler, on 11/12/2007, -2/+6I think is going to be success. hell Apple 90% of mac users only use computer for the WWW and they pay premium to do that.
  • xXUltiDiggerXx, on 11/11/2007, -2/+0Thats pretty cool.
  • RicktheBrick, on 11/11/2007, -3/+2If one buys a computer to last 5 years than a $200 computer is $40 a year or about $.80 a week. If one were to spent $800 for a computer for the same 5 years than it would be $160 a year or about $3.00 a week. For $2.40 a week one should get a better computer(quad, 2gigs of memory,250 giga byte hard drive, dvd burner).
  • zdiggler, on 11/12/2007, -7/+2I hear this thing run on Lindows.

    :)
    • gpsblake, on 11/12/2007, -2/+3False. It runs on something called GOs which is based on Ubuntu, which is based on Debian. Which is one of the problems Linux has, it has soooo many different variants.
      • Gavagai80, on 11/12/2007, -1/+4Choice is horrible. Just tell me what to use so I can obey, master.
    • zdiggler, on 11/12/2007, -1/+1I was referig to a 199 PC from Fry's a few years ago that run Lindows, they sold a lot of them but also they got a piles of returns as well. Hardware really suck in there
      • arbulus, on 11/13/2007, -0/+3It could also be because Linspire (formerly Lindows) is *****.

        They are an embarrassment to the Linux community.
  • Bansuri, on 11/12/2007, -0/+8Although they are not represented on Digg, there are plenty of people in rural areas(US) with dial-up and slim pickings in the local job market. This will fit their bill nicely. Linux will win with the 50+ crowd just 'cuz it's cheaper.
  • Bicep, on 11/12/2007, -1/+10Dugg for being the best damn Antivirus PC around! Grandma's getting a new and exciting present this year!
  • chrisgon, on 11/11/2007, -0/+0I was interested in this so I downloaded gOS and stuck it on an old Gateway Solo2100 600MHz PIII, 256MB, 6GB HD. This was my first Linux install since Red Hat 7, and things went very smoothly. In less than 1 hour I had a working pc with Internet, Office, games, utilities. Very slick. It runs like a charm. Boot-up in about 1 min 30 sec total. WIFI was a little troublesome - my DLINK G630 card wasn't recognized so I had to install madwifi. The novice certainly could not do this easily, but then again the novice isn't configuring Linux on an old pc, they're buying these pc's new and preconfigured.

    The gOS itself seems nice enough. Most of my difficulties have come from unfamiliarity with Linux. But if what you're doing involves browsing the internet, reading email, IM, and playing casual flash-games, this is pretty nice. The gOS that's downloadable doesn't include DVD-playback or MP3-playback, but the preinstalled OS on the WALMART pc's does. I can ad this stuff in myself if I want to.

    The nice thing about Linux in general is the package manager/application installer. gOS calls its version the 'Add/Remove Applications' applet, and it organizes applications by category and allows for easy checkbox installation of new applications. This makes it very easy to 'discover' new applications and try them out. Windows doesn't include anything in the OS core that compares to this, so I was pleased to see this differentiating factor.

    In terms of usability it provides Firefox, email, and convenient shortcuts to get at the stuff. The app-bar-ribbon thingy at the bottom is a little gimmicky, but serviceable. It does the job. I like this.

    Would I buy one for Grandma? Yes.



  • paul9290, on 11/11/2007, -0/+2Small form factor please! Such would an equal a inexpensive and great Web TV/Media box!
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