$200 Ubuntu PC now @ Walmart

[Caleb Marcus]

I'm curious as to how the gPC OS integrates Google applications into the
desktop environment -- if, for instance, I click the launcher for Google
Docs, does it open a browser pointed at that page, or is it more closely
integrated into the desktop environment? Also, what modifications were
made to Ubuntu? Can I still install applications from the repos, or .deb
package files? Where can I get my hands on this operating system to test
it out for myself?
On Sun, 2007-11-04 at 10:47 -0500, Brian DeLacey wrote:

> I'm a fan of these low-cost, high-function machines. They are
> practical investments. For someone who has an extra monitor (or has a
> an existing computer that has succumbed to viruses or other digital
> maladies) this seems like a surefire bet. 
> 
> I'd like to see us do a thorough review of this gPC computer. Based
> upon the written specs, it looks like a great buy. They are not
> presently stocked at any WalMart within 100 miles of Boston, however,
> it can be purchased online with free delivery to a nearby store. How
> about we get one for the next InstallFest and run a test? Anyone have
> a contact at the company that makes these (or at WalMart?) 
> 
> I attended the Ubuntu Developer Summit last week. After the conference
> ended, I was shopping in a store and one of the employees there
> noticed my Ubuntu t-shirt, saying "Ubuntu, what's that?" My short
> answer was "It's like Windows, but it's free." The guy said, "Gee, you
> know my computer isn't working right any more." So I went out to the
> car, and brought back an Ubuntu CD - they were thrilled to try it. 
> 
> Yesterday, I visited an out-of-state friend whose modern,
> high-powered, expensive Windows computer had become incapacitated by
> an adware virus attack. We struggled for about an hour to fix it - but
> failed.  We installed the free "Defender" software which claimed to
> clean it yet these viruses keep regenerating themselves with each
> reboot. I'll keep using Windows and Mac and all the other OS platforms
> on big and small devices where there's value, but nobody should have
> to endure this kind of debilitating virus mess on any platform. 
> 
> Ubuntu offers huge value, and this gPC (Everex TC2502 Green gPC w/ Via
> C7-D Processor) seems to hit the perfect price point. 
> 
> 
> On 11/3/07, Thomas Cameron <tom at drdabbles.us> wrote:
> 
>         I think you misunderstand what I mean. By throw-away, I mean
>         it is
>         usually cheaper to replace the entire machine than it is to
>         replace a
>         failed component. This is typical of the e-machines that
>         companies like
>         Best Buy used to sell. Usually the $200 to $300 PC is
>         assembled from 
>         very low quality parts, or very limited function parts (slow
>         CD-ROM,
>         slow RAM, etc.) to keep costs down.
>         
>         Essentially, what I am saying here is that while these systems
>         are more
>         than adequate for surfing, email, and general productivity
>         suites, you 
>         should be very careful about suggesting them to someone that
>         can't
>         afford to buy another in the event of a problem. And, of
>         course, none of
>         this is to say I'm unhappy that Linux is being sold in
>         Wal-Mart again. 
>         And I couldn't be happier that it's Ubuntu!
>         
>         
>         
>         On Fri, 2007-11-02 at 17:09 -0700, Kristian Erik Hermansen
>         wrote:
>         > On 11/2/07, Thomas Cameron <tom at drdabbles.us> wrote:
>         > > Beware what you get in a $200 pc. If you let everyone know
>         it will
>         > > basically be a throw-away computer, fine. Otherwise, you
>         may have some
>         > > hard feelings later on. Just speaking from experience. 
>         >
>         > I don't understand what you mean.  This is a computer
>         specifically
>         > designed for people who merely want to get on the Internet,
>         browse
>         > around, write emails, and print office documents.  It is not
>         a gaming 
>         > PC.  I don't think it should be considered a "throw-away
>         computer" at
>         > all!
>         >
>         > Additionally, maybe people don't like having to install
>         Ubuntu
>         > themselves.  We are seeing more and more Ubuntu-preinstalled
>         machines 
>         > popping up from various vendors, presumably because they got
>         the
>         > "thumbs up" from Dell's research...
>         
>         
>         --
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> 
> 
> 
> 
> -- 
> Brian
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