Sears sells latest sub-$200 Linux desktop PC

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.

The Mirus Innovations Inc. desktop runs Linux from Linspire and is selling for $299 with a $100 rebate. (Photo courtesy of Linspire Inc.)

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