John noted this in yesterday’s Tech5 Podshow. Here’s the details.
PC maker Everex rolls out a budget desktop PC today that costs $200 and combines the Ubuntu Linux kernel with Google applications and open source software.
The machine uses a 1.5GHz Via C7-D processor, Via UniChrome Pro IGP graphics core, and comes equipped with 512MB of memory, an 80GB hard drive, a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive, and has built-in Ethernet.
But the real secret sauce is a software suite that begins with what the company calls its “gOS,” which turns out to be a customized Ubuntu Linux kernel. The software bundle includes open source desktop applications highlighted by OpenOffice, GIMP photo software, the Xing DVD and video player, and Rhythmbox music management software.
Additionally, the PC’s user interface includes icons pointing to popular Google applications such as Documents and Spreadsheets, Calendar, News, and Maps. Also pre-installed is the Firefox web browser, Meebo IM, and Skype.
Special note of the inclusion of Skype. Should piss off Telcos.
#39 – I am 100% with you…
Obviously an OS needs a GUI and like a car, it needs a hood so advanced users, IT pros, me, etc, can get under the hood… But yes, I agree that users shouldn’t have to be aware of the OS…
However, as an aside, when I ask people, “what kind of computer do you have?” I get several answers…
1. Windows
2. Office
3. AOL
4. It’s black and silver.
5. Media Player
So maybe people aren’t really aware of the OS now
#40 – Dude… It’s hardly a scam. It just isn’t a really powerful machine and I worry that non-standardized software complicates support issues for the very people who are most vexed by support issues.
But $200 is not a bad price for what it is. It just isn’t for us.
I think this is a great idea – the more computers we can get into the hands of the masses the better. I bet there are some big margins on this kit though…
On the PC gaming issue, *real* gamers know that gaming sucks on any machine that has less than $1000 of components in it anyway. This isn’t aimed at gamers, but neither is a $400 machine running Vista Basic – your gaming experience would be the same on both machines – zero
Excellent !!! More GNU/Linux, Less WinBloze !!!
Asus will launch a similar product with linux next year, seems like a good project.