| Everex launches $198 Ubuntu Linux gPC at Wal-Mart |
Oct. 31, 2007
 Everex, a longtime personal computer vendor, has unveiled its latest PC featuring Ubuntu Linux-based open-source productivity software and Google-based Web 2.0 applications, for a mere $198.
(Click for larger view of the gPC TC2502)
Everex is following Dell, which pioneered the broad release of Linux-powered desktops and laptops to the consumer market in the United States. Since Dell's first moves, other PC vendors such as Lenovo and HP have explored broader Linux PC releases.
The Everex Green gPC TC2502 includes popular applications from Google, Mozilla, Skype and OpenOffice.org. It runs gOS Initial G, which in turn is based on Ubuntu Linux 7.10 The gOS operating system features a simple and intuitive Linux Enlightenment E17 desktop interface with a Google-centric theme. The system comes with a lifetime of free updates and revisions.
 
gOS screenshots
(Click to enlarge)
The company opted to use Enlightenment, rather than the more popular KDE or GNOME, because Enlightenment requires minimal hardware resources for its interface.
Although the company claims in a FAQ that it was "created as a conceptual Google PC with a conceptual Google OS," Paul Kim, Everex's director of marketing, in a discussion with DesktopLinux clarified that "popular applications such as those from Google are an integral part of our product, however, gOS is an entity entirely independent from Google. Furthermore, while we make use of many applications from Google, 'Google Apps' is not bundled with this particular system."
"There has been a latent demand for a consumer-friendly Linux operating system, generating countless inquires from customers seeking an alternative PC experience," said John Lin, general manager of Everex. "The vision behind gPC was to provide mainstream users with all their favorite applications wrapped in a no-compromise, low-cost, consumer-friendly product. We're simply giving the people what they want. Everex enlisted the collective intelligence of users throughout the world. Customers love Google products, so we added them. Hackers want administrative privileges, so we provided it. The ultimate potential of a mainstream, open-source PC is tremendous."
At the heart of the gPC TC2502 is an energy-efficient 1.5GHz, VIA C7-D processor. This CPU draws less than 2W on average (with a maximum of 20W). Operating at a mere 28dB, the gPC also ranks as the quietest Everex desktop computer ever produced. It also includes 512MB of system memory, 80GB hard disk drive and DVD-ROM/CD-RW optical drive. The system also comes with six USB 2.0 ports; an RJ45 Ethernet port; an RJ11 port; and a serial and parallel port.
The package, which doesn't include a monitor, does include a keyboard, mouse and stereo speakers. For graphics, it uses a VIA UniChrome Pro chipset on the motherboard. This, in turn, uses 64MB of system memory.
The computer's pre-installed and linked Software includes Mozilla Firefox, gMail, Meebo (a browser-based IM client) Skype, Google Documents & Spreadsheets, Google Calendar, Google News, Google Maps, GIMP, Blogger, the Xine Movie Player, and OpenOffice.org 2.2.
The Everex gPC will be available at some, but not all, Wal-Mart stores and walmart.com for $198 starting in early November. This is not the first time Wal-Mart has sold a low-priced Linux desktop. Earlier, the company sold Microtel systems running Linspire. For the last few years, though, Wal-Mart has not been selling Linux systems. Everex is expected to make the gPC TC2502 available through other retail partners if demand warrants this move.
Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
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