When you think of a new computer you want to buy, odds are that you set your sights on a new Windows or Mac system, but it may be a good time to consider a Linux machine. Recently, I’ve been using two very low-cost systems—one a desktop and one a notebook–that come loaded with Linux and nothing but free, open-source software. I wouldn’t recommend either of them as the sole system for a dedicated web worker, but the notebook in particular (shown below) is worth considering for a number of purposes.
Both of the systems I’ve been using—the Everex gPC (desktop system) and the Asus Eee PC 4G (notebook)—achieve strikingly low price points by removing the costs of expensive operating systems and software applications. The Everex machine is $199 (available at Wal-Mart) without a monitor, and the Asus notebook is $400.
The Everex gPC has made a few waves due to its cost and the fact that people dubbed it “the Google PC” because it comes loaded with lots of free Google applications as well as OpenOffice productivity applications. However, the machine isn’t a Google offering; it’s from Everex. In my experience, this desktop system may have a future, but it’s currently too slow to recommend to a serious web worker.
The Everex has a VIA C7-D processor, 512MB of RAM and, to its credit, comes with an 80GB hard drive—a lot of capacity for an under-$200 system. It runs an operating system called gOS, based on Ubuntu Linux. The free applications you get with it include Skype, Firefox, GMail, Mozilla Thunderbird e-mail, media players and an instant messaging client, and the OpenOffice applications produce documents compatible with Word, Excel and other programs. However, the applications are noticeably slower than they are on Windows and Mac systems that cost just a few hundred dollars more. In my view, the gPC may be more attractive when it has a faster processor and more memory.
On the flip-side, the $400 Asus Eee PC 4G is a nice little notebook to keep around the house for occasional web browsing, e-mail and writing. I saw that Anne on this blog recently bought one for her son. I would agree that this a good starter notebook for a young kid, and I can see using it for other applications. It makes for a nice kitchen system, I could see buying a few of them to keep in various rooms in a large house, and at two pounds with a tiny form factor I would consider toting it around occasionally for work instead of a heavier notebook.
When you get right down to it, if you’re going to stock a Windows notebook with, say, Microsoft applications, or shell out for a Mac notebook, you’re going to pay at least $800. So $400 for the Asus is pretty attractive. The Asus notebook has an operating system based on Xandros Linux, and the list of applications is similar to the Everex’s list—with OpenOffice for productivity apps. You only get 4GB of local storage, but there are three USB ports so you could add an external drive or inexpensive USB thumb drive to the mix.
Best of all, the Asus notebook came completely Wi-Fi ready (802.11g) and I had no problems getting it to recognize my home Wi-Fi network. It has an Intel Celeron processor and 512MB of RAM and is reasonably speedy at browsing and other common tasks. It also has a slick-looking white case. My one chief complaint about it is that the 7-inch screen shows 800×480 resolution, and I’ve found myself getting annoyed when I have to scroll to the right to see certain parts of a web page. Still, at $400, especially if you have a home Wi-Fi network, this notebook is a pretty good value.
Are you currently usin a Linux system, or do you have plans to try one?
I picked up a surplus Dell D800 from my day job company for $140, with a docking station but no OS. I’m running Ubuntu 7.10 on it but I have yet to find a wireless PCIMCA card that will work with it (I haven’t been looking very hard though). I only use my laptop for client demos for my side business, and as a backup machine when doing serious maintenance to my desktop PC. When I get the wireless working on the laptop it will become more of a living room/kitchen machine when not meeting with clients.
As an aside I also have a Nokia N800 that I used for checking e-mail when I’m out and about. So most of the time toting around a full laptop isn’t necessary.
“…come loaded with Linux and nothing but free, open-source software…” and “…Skype, Firefox, GMail…”? Really?
I won’t bother w/ the pedantic free/Free distinction, but how can you possibly call Skype and GMail open-source?
What keeps me from going 100% Linux is the fact that I do freelance web development. I have to have Windows and Mac installs on which to test.
I am, however, thinking about building or buying a Linux box to use as a media player/center so that I can get rid of my DVD player and stereo.
This is the waive of the future. Small, more specialized devices. As to the price comparison, I think you’re way off. A new laptop with the capabilities to run Vista (dual core processor, 2 GB ram), runs closer to $1200 not $800. MacBooks start around $1200 as well. “UMPCs” with Vista run more like $2K. So the Asus eeePC is a real value.
No, they’re not right for everyone… But as a second machine – a web browser or light weight traveling computer they might be the right machine.
This is a pretty pathetic review. Neither of these systems is notable for their operating system or software – all of which can be had for free for any PC. Their claim to fame is in being low powered, lightweight, and slightly low cost (though not out of the range of similar spec hardware.) None of the comparisons, nor the question at the end, make any sense at all. I realize everyone must be on vacation, but please try harder next time.
I’ve been using an Eee PC for about two months, and while it is underpowered by modern laptop standards, it’s still an amazing little machine. It’s greatest strengths are its tiny size and low price. You’d have to pay 4 or 5 times as much money to get a modern laptop with a faster processor, more memory, and more storage in such a small package. At just 2.1 pounds, the Eee PC has become my laptop of choice for taking with me on short trips. It takes up almost no space in my bag, and I constantly have to double check to make sure I’ve actually packed it.
While it comes with Xandros, you can very easily install Windows XP, Ubuntu, or any other Linux distribution.
I second the complaint about the screen resolution though. If there’s one thing that keeps me from using it more it’s the limited 800 x 480 pixel resolution which make it hard to fit some windows on the screen.
This is a bunch of baloney.
$459 buys you an entry level Dell laptop with real life size/resolution monitor and hard drive. Pump another $100 and you get a decent system for your junior. And you can install Linux all you want over the Windows if you like (even have enough hard drive space dual boot).
Also, here is another cool toy: Apple iPod Touch. With storage capabilities larger than Asus for the same price + WiFi. But you cannot price the cool factor of that toy. I think it is only a matter of time till some productivity software gets on it as well.
As far as gPC – it pathetic cheap hardware that makes it cheap (plus the relatively unknown brand). I saw deals in stores for $250 with way better hardware capabilities than that thing.
Hands On with Two Ultra-Cheap Linux Systems
“When you think of a new computer you want to buy, odds are that you set your sights on a new Windows or Mac system, but it may be a good time to consider a Linux machine. Recently, I’ve been using two very low-cost systems—one a desktop and one a…
In the wake of the Windows Vista fiasco, I’ve recently upgraded my Acer Aspire 5150 notebook to Ubuntu Linux 7.10 and have never been happier. The interface is sleek, stable, software is free, and the system is absolutely fast. Even on the 5150′s meager specs (1.5GB RAM, 1.8Ghz processor), Ubuntu runs like a champ. I can never see a time going back to Windows.
You’ve overlooked a question I have about these things – I’ve been thinking of getting one. I’m a writer, I travel – that’s the context. How’s the keyboard? I wonder if it’s too small to use for extended periods comfortably. I love the idea – a stripped down typewriter with email, wifi, and photo storage is EXACTLY what I need, but if it’s not comfortable to use, it’s no good to me. Thoughts?