Comparison of the $200 Linux Desktops
With the gPC, the Shuttle PC, and now the new Mirus PC (Linspire/Freespire PC,) the market for $200 Linux desktops seems to be getting filled up with a lot of something-PCs that all seem about the same at first glance. When you look carefully at the specs and the marketing behind each PC, though, you can see the niche it is targeting. Lets start by looking at the basic specifications for each product:
Mirus PC
Processor: Intel Celeron D 420 1.6Ghz
RAM: 1GB
Hard Drive: 80GB
Optical Drive: CD-RW
Accessories: Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers
gPC
Processor: VIA C7-D 1.5Ghz
RAM: 512 MB
Hard Drive: 80GB
Optical Drive: CD-RW
Accessories: Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers
Shuttle PC
Processor: Intel Celeron Something
RAM: 512GB
Hard Drive: 60GB (Shuttle told News.com 60GB or 80GB which I suspect means that 80GB will be an option that costs more.)
Optical Drive: None
Accessories: None
So what is each one the best for? The Shuttle is great for someone who cares about the appearance of their computers. It is a very small form factor PC and it looks very simple, clean, and generally well polished. Unfortunately, the specs are not so great. The lack of an optical drive in particular could be a big problem the next time you want to, well, do anything with a CD. In terms on raw power, the Mirus PC wins with its 1GB of RAM. The gPC is in the middle in terms of the specifications, but it advertises itself as the “green PC,” showing off the VIA processor and other unusual hardware. As a summary:
The Shuttle looks the best, but lacks in hardware, the gPC advertises itself to the eco-conscious, and the Mirus wins in the performance category.
January 21st, 2008 at 12:46 pm
At least there are a few cheap PCs with Linux pre-installed. But, are those Pcs the only retail computers, or are there more options? I would like to run PCLinuxOs on a more powerful computer, like with a dual core prossesor, 2 gigs of RAM, a nice GPU etc. etc. Where can I find some deals?
January 21st, 2008 at 5:01 pm
I am sure there are more, but those are the ones that have been getting a lot of hype. They might be the only ones that market themselves to the average user.
Since you mentioned PCLinuxOS, I have to mention this deal:
http://linfx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=9/
It is not a powerful computer at all, but it is only $150.
I don’t think there are a lot of computers with PCLinuxOS pre-installed, but I bet you could buy any computer with any Linux pre-installed and install PCLinuxOS just fine. For Ubuntu computers try System 76 (system76.com), Zareason (zareason.com), or Dell (dell.com/ubuntu).