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$200 Linux Desktop Systems Are No Bargain

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Linux
Hardware

On Sears.com and Wal-Mart.com -- two sites that sell cheap Linux-based PCs -- potential buyers post questions like, "Which version of Windows does this have?" and "Can I run Windows applications on this?" While either the Mirus SITLC420 or the Everex gPC TC2502 might be an option for technically savvy people who want to dabble in Linux, these machines are very poor choices for the folks the two stores usually cater to.

That's because, despite the rock-bottom prices, neither PC qualifies as a bargain. They use lowest-of-the-low-end components--you're essentially paying fair prices for inferior products.

But more important, while the gPC has a slightly easier-to-use version of Linux than the Mirus does, I found both Linuxes to be extremely cumbersome (and I've experimented with Linux distributions before). If you aren't a die-hard Linux fan, these PCs aren't for you.

PC Special in Aisle 5

The Mirus SITLC420 we evaluated comes with a 1.6-GHz Intel Celeron 420 processor, 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, a CD-RW drive, and the FreeSpire Linux operating system, which is based on a version of Ubuntu Linux. It costs $300 at Sears.com (online only); a $100 rebate is available through Mirus, though Mirus says to allow three to four months for the check.

The $199 Everex gPC TC2502 is sold by retailers such as Wal-Mart; it's available online and at brick-and-mortar stores. The Everex isn't as well equipped as the Mirus; it has a 1.5-GHz Via C7-D processor, 512MB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, and a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive. It runs a version of Linux called the gOS, which is based on Ubuntu, as well.

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yes but

these machines and their OSs ARE perfect for the stores' target audience because it's this user-base that frequently winds up with problems on their machines due to malware, viruses, trojans, and installing software they shouldn't use.

and i have to disagree with you on gOS being cumbersome. i have been using linux for 10 years now and installed gOS on my wife's Everex laptop. it is fantastic and does just what she wants. my only complaint is Hibernate doesn't work.

Try talking to some users

The author of this piece seems not to have spoken with actual users.

I know several people who use gPCs and Eees, and their reviews are entirely positive. Based on their experiences, I can recommend these machines wholeheartedly.

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