$200 "gPC" Launches Today at Wal-mart
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 Everex gPC, goes on sale tomorrow at Wal-mart and is being touted by the company as a close collaboration between the PC maker, the open source community and Google that is intended to "bring Linux to the masses."
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.
Obviously, experienced PC users can create shortcut icons to the web applications, including Google's, that are pre-installed on the machine, and many download sites offer free open source software that is equal to, and in some cases, better than what is on the gPC.
But the company believes that combination of solid desktop software, Web 2.0 applications and the low cost of the machine will be very appealing to its target market.
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I've done bunches of Ubuntu (OK, a couple of PC-BSD) installs on old, "underpowered" machines (seriously: under 1Ghz processors, for example) for folks who couldn't or didn't want to spend the bucks for a Windowze bloatware or Mac "gee it's a shiny, sparkly straightjacket" machine. For the ordinary PC user, the pretty standard selection of apps installed on the Everex gPC will be just about all they'll ever need ot use. I usually install Opera so folks don't have to drive a Chevy (Firefox) if they'd prefer a Caddilac (Opera), but that's about the only change, unless someone has an unique need--and there's almost always an OpenSource app to meet even the quirkiest needs. And if not, WINE under Ubuntu runs most Windows apps pretty darned well. (Had one person who just would NOT use any browser other than Internet Exploder who was happy as a lark to have IE running on Ubuntu using WINE. *sigh*)
While power users will probably (and rightly) avoid such a machine, the Everex gPC would be
Why do today's desktops still have to look like PCs from the 80's? The hardware in this PC would fit a set-top box. In that format and the US$200 tag they would be in my kitchen, bedside table, by the TV set, next to the toilet ... I little imagination would go a long way.
Add the cost of a monitor and this machine will cost as much as a generic Chinese laptop.
mnmus: in another article they mentioned that they did surveys and found that alot of midwestern consumers related size with power. since they're aiming at lower income houses they shoved all the components for a set top in a regular size case.
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