PRICE: Hardware: $199.86 (includes keyboard, mouse, and speakers, but does not include monitor).
Rating:
Specifications: Mini-tower case; CPU: 800 MHz Via C3 processor; Memory: 128 MB RAM; Peripherals: 10 GB hard drive, onboard Fast Ethernet, 52X CD-ROM drive, Trident Blade graphics, and sound chip.
Pros: Low price, low price, low price.
Cons: Slow processor; no on-site service; only one PCI slot; no floppy or modem.
At $199.86, it’s well worth the price. What is it? It is the infamous sub-$200 Lindows computer offered by Walmart.com (don’t look for it in stores).
My expectations for the 800MHz “white box” PC manufactured by Microtel Computer Systems (http://www.microtelpc.com) were low, even after I saw the total bill for $232.63, including shipping charges and California state sales tax. But you know, it’s not bad. I’d hate to use it for my everyday PC, but for the price, it’s a solid computer.
Let’s talk about the hardware. (Read the review on the next page to hear Linux Magazine’s impressions of Lindows.) The system, called the Sysmar 710, is manufactured specifically for Wal-Mart. It’s a mini-tower that includes an 800 MHz Via C3 processor, 128 MB RAM, a 10 GB hard drive, and a 52X CD-ROM drive. The Via C3 processor is essentially a clone…
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