Computerworld - For the second time since October, a sub-$200 fully equipped Linux desktop PC is available for sale to U.S. consumers.
Starting today, Sears.com is selling a Mirus Innovations Inc. desktop machine that runs Linux from Linspire Inc. for $299, minus a $100 mail-in rebate, Linspire said in a statement. Another $15 discount is available through this Saturday, for a final price of $184.99. Shipping is an additional $16.50.
The new Linspire/Mirus PC includes an Intel Celeron 420 1.6-GHz processor, 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, a 56Kbit/sec. modem, a CD-RW burner, a media card reader, a keyboard, speakers, a mouse and Linspire's Freespire 2.0 Linux operating system. The machine also comes with basic CNR Service, which gives users one-click online access to free Linux software. It does not include a monitor.
San Diego-based Linspire said it teamed with Walnut, Calif.-based Mirus to build a machine that would provide low-cost computing capabilities and open-source software for consumer and business customers.
"Our system builders have been forging new ground in the low-end Linux PC market for over five years now," Larry Kettler, president and CEO of Linspire, said in a statement. "This latest system from Mirus Innovations is the most robust hardware and software configuration, and offers the best value for under $200 to date."
The new PC offers improved out-of-the-box file format and multimedia support, including MP3, Windows Media, Real Networks, Java, Flash, ATI, nVidia, Wi-Fi and others, according to the companies. The Freespire 2.0 operating system also includes legally licensed proprietary drivers, codecs and applications in its core distribution. Freespire is a community-influenced, Ubuntu-based Linux distribution.
Last October, an Ubuntu Linux-equipped PC built by Fremont, Calif.-based Everex went on sale in selected Wal-Mart stores for $200.
Read more about Hardware in Computerworld's Hardware Topic Center.
Free Insider GuideCopyright © 1994 - 2012 Computerworld Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Computerworld Inc. is prohibited. Computerworld and Computerworld.com and the respective logos are trademarks of International Data Group Inc.
