Hands On with Two Ultra-Cheap Linux Systems
December 28th, 2007 (4:00pm) Samuel Dean 24 Comments
When you think of a new computer you want to buy, odds are that you set your sights on a new Windows or Mac system, but it may be a good time to consider a Linux machine. Recently, I’ve been using two very low-cost systems—one a desktop and one a notebook–that come loaded with Linux and nothing but free, open-source software. I wouldn’t recommend either of them as the sole system for a dedicated web worker, but the notebook in particular (shown below) is worth considering for a number of purposes.
Both of the systems I’ve been using—the Everex gPC (desktop system) and the Asus Eee PC 4G (notebook)—achieve strikingly low price points by removing the costs of expensive operating systems and software applications. The Everex machine is $199 (available at Wal-Mart) without a monitor, and the Asus notebook is $400.
The Everex gPC has made a few waves due to its cost and the fact that people dubbed it “the Google PC” because it comes loaded with lots of free Google applications as well as OpenOffice productivity applications. However, the machine isn’t a Google offering; it’s from Everex. In my experience, this desktop system may have a future, but it’s currently too slow to recommend to a serious web worker.
The Everex has a VIA C7-D processor, 512MB of RAM and, to its credit, comes with an 80GB hard drive—a lot of capacity for an under-$200 system. It runs an operating system called gOS, based on Ubuntu Linux. The free applications you get with it include Skype, Firefox, GMail, Mozilla Thunderbird e-mail, media players and an instant messaging client, and the OpenOffice applications produce documents compatible with Word, Excel and other programs. However, the applications are noticeably slower than they are on Windows and Mac systems that cost just a few hundred dollars more. In my view, the gPC may be more attractive when it has a faster processor and more memory.
On the flip-side, the $400 Asus Eee PC 4G is a nice little notebook to keep around the house for occasional web browsing, e-mail and writing. I saw that Anne on this blog recently bought one for her son. I would agree that this a good starter notebook for a young kid, and I can see using it for other applications. It makes for a nice kitchen system, I could see buying a few of them to keep in various rooms in a large house, and at two pounds with a tiny form factor I would consider toting it around occasionally for work instead of a heavier notebook.
When you get right down to it, if you’re going to stock a Windows notebook with, say, Microsoft applications, or shell out for a Mac notebook, you’re going to pay at least $800. So $400 for the Asus is pretty attractive. The Asus notebook has an operating system based on Xandros Linux, and the list of applications is similar to the Everex’s list—with OpenOffice for productivity apps. You only get 4GB of local storage, but there are three USB ports so you could add an external drive or inexpensive USB thumb drive to the mix.
Best of all, the Asus notebook came completely Wi-Fi ready (802.11g) and I had no problems getting it to recognize my home Wi-Fi network. It has an Intel Celeron processor and 512MB of RAM and is reasonably speedy at browsing and other common tasks. It also has a slick-looking white case. My one chief complaint about it is that the 7-inch screen shows 800×480 resolution, and I’ve found myself getting annoyed when I have to scroll to the right to see certain parts of a web page. Still, at $400, especially if you have a home Wi-Fi network, this notebook is a pretty good value.
Are you currently usin a Linux system, or do you have plans to try one?
24 Comments Post your own comment
John B says: December 28th, 2007 5:00pm
I picked up a surplus Dell D800 from my day job company for $140, with a docking station but no OS. I’m running Ubuntu 7.10 on it but I have yet to find a wireless PCIMCA card that will work with it (I haven’t been looking very hard though). I only use my laptop for client demos for my side business, and as a backup machine when doing serious maintenance to my desktop PC. When I get the wireless working on the laptop it will become more of a living room/kitchen machine when not meeting with clients.
As an aside I also have a Nokia N800 that I used for checking e-mail when I’m out and about. So most of the time toting around a full laptop isn’t necessary.
Dean Landolt says: December 28th, 2007 6:11pm
“…come loaded with Linux and nothing but free, open-source software…” and “…Skype, Firefox, GMail…”? Really?
I won’t bother w/ the pedantic free/Free distinction, but how can you possibly call Skype and GMail open-source?
tiffany says: December 28th, 2007 7:42pm
What keeps me from going 100% Linux is the fact that I do freelance web development. I have to have Windows and Mac installs on which to test.
I am, however, thinking about building or buying a Linux box to use as a media player/center so that I can get rid of my DVD player and stereo.
MSfromtheOC says: December 28th, 2007 8:46pm
This is the waive of the future. Small, more specialized devices. As to the price comparison, I think you’re way off. A new laptop with the capabilities to run Vista (dual core processor, 2 GB ram), runs closer to $1200 not $800. MacBooks start around $1200 as well. “UMPCs” with Vista run more like $2K. So the Asus eeePC is a real value.
No, they’re not right for everyone… But as a second machine - a web browser or light weight traveling computer they might be the right machine.
AG says: December 28th, 2007 9:29pm
This is a pretty pathetic review. Neither of these systems is notable for their operating system or software - all of which can be had for free for any PC. Their claim to fame is in being low powered, lightweight, and slightly low cost (though not out of the range of similar spec hardware.) None of the comparisons, nor the question at the end, make any sense at all. I realize everyone must be on vacation, but please try harder next time.
Brad Linder says: December 28th, 2007 9:34pm
I’ve been using an Eee PC for about two months, and while it is underpowered by modern laptop standards, it’s still an amazing little machine. It’s greatest strengths are its tiny size and low price. You’d have to pay 4 or 5 times as much money to get a modern laptop with a faster processor, more memory, and more storage in such a small package. At just 2.1 pounds, the Eee PC has become my laptop of choice for taking with me on short trips. It takes up almost no space in my bag, and I constantly have to double check to make sure I’ve actually packed it.
While it comes with Xandros, you can very easily install Windows XP, Ubuntu, or any other Linux distribution.
I second the complaint about the screen resolution though. If there’s one thing that keeps me from using it more it’s the limited 800 x 480 pixel resolution which make it hard to fit some windows on the screen.
Jason says: December 28th, 2007 10:09pm
This is a bunch of baloney.
$459 buys you an entry level Dell laptop with real life size/resolution monitor and hard drive. Pump another $100 and you get a decent system for your junior. And you can install Linux all you want over the Windows if you like (even have enough hard drive space dual boot).
Also, here is another cool toy: Apple iPod Touch. With storage capabilities larger than Asus for the same price + WiFi. But you cannot price the cool factor of that toy. I think it is only a matter of time till some productivity software gets on it as well.
As far as gPC - it pathetic cheap hardware that makes it cheap (plus the relatively unknown brand). I saw deals in stores for $250 with way better hardware capabilities than that thing.
OSSDailyNews.com - OSS, Linux, and BSD News says: December 28th, 2007 10:31pm
Hands On with Two Ultra-Cheap Linux Systems
“When you think of a new computer you want to buy, odds are that you set your sights on a new Windows or Mac system, but it may be a good time to consider a Linux machine. Recently, I’ve been using two very low-cost systems—one a desktop and one a…
Anthony Papillion says: December 29th, 2007 1:14am
In the wake of the Windows Vista fiasco, I’ve recently upgraded my Acer Aspire 5150 notebook to Ubuntu Linux 7.10 and have never been happier. The interface is sleek, stable, software is free, and the system is absolutely fast. Even on the 5150’s meager specs (1.5GB RAM, 1.8Ghz processor), Ubuntu runs like a champ. I can never see a time going back to Windows.
pam says: December 29th, 2007 7:53am
You’ve overlooked a question I have about these things - I’ve been thinking of getting one. I’m a writer, I travel - that’s the context. How’s the keyboard? I wonder if it’s too small to use for extended periods comfortably. I love the idea - a stripped down typewriter with email, wifi, and photo storage is EXACTLY what I need, but if it’s not comfortable to use, it’s no good to me. Thoughts?
Samuel Dean says: December 29th, 2007 8:15am
Hi Pam, I’m a writer too and I happen to have very big hands. The keyboard on the Asus is fine. It’s not as good as the keyboard on a ThinkPad–my favorite laptop keyboard–but I write fine with the Asus keyboard.
Sam
tb says: December 29th, 2007 8:19am
The Asus is very good, solid and with a small but good keyboard - excellent connectivity - plus open office ignore these “reviews” just look at the sales, these things are selling big time - perhaps they got it right?
Zale says: December 29th, 2007 9:20am
I’ve been using Linux on 3 machines for about a year. The distribution I prefer is PCLinuxOS.
For those that seem to think that the only company who can produce a good, easy to use operating system and software is Microsoft, their stock holders thank you.
For everyone else, I recommend you give Linux a try. I have no intention of going back and will open my law office with Linux.
If you don’t think Linux can work, check out Google, Amazon, eBay and the New York Stock Exchange. They all seem to run just fine on it.
raindog469 says: December 29th, 2007 10:45am
Tiffany, you can actually run IE (up to version 6, but IE7 is in the works) under Linux. I have no idea how well it works on the Eee or gPC, but I use it for testing web apps from time to time. Google for “ies4linux”. It only takes a couple of commands that you can copy and paste to install it.
cg17 says: December 30th, 2007 9:23am
The Everex and Asus could be good starter machines for people who use the web but are not necessarily “power users.” But I guess that’s the point, isn’t it? I like the portability the Asus offers and the inexpensive price offering of the Everex; they have their strengths and their weaknesses.
As for using Linux, I’ve been using Ubuntu (Feisty, then upgraded to Gutsy) for about 6 months now and haven’t gone back to Windows at all. I concur with what previous commenters here have about Linux. When I tried Linux (Fedora Core, which I can’t say is really for newbies to Linux) a few years ago, I had loads of hardware problems. Those hardware problems have since been taking care of (at least for my system).
For people looking to re-vive an old computer, I would recommend installing a Linux distro with the Xfce desktop (like Xubuntu) as it is designed for lower-end and older computers.
Testing websites on different browsers and OS’s has never really been a problem as I use Browsershots to test my designs.
Clark says: December 30th, 2007 5:16pm
Asus eee is a great value. It’s not a production machine but a terrific tool when travelling.
Ken Girard says: December 31st, 2007 10:31am
I am looking at getting an EEE for mobile use (Like taking notes at construction sites). I like that it is light weight, small, and the storage is not affected by me sitting it down 3 feet away while I use a jack hammer.
I don’t expect it to be fast, powerful, or have the ability to store every file ever on it (And if I need more storage space, I can always get a 500gig external HD). For the uses I am expecting for it, I’d be happy with something that ran Windows 98 and Office 97. If I need major power and high graphics, I got a desktop sitting at home.
Sure, in a year it will be replaced by something better, but then so will any computer.
The Doctor says: December 31st, 2007 3:48pm
I don’t know where you people are looking for your new computers. Right now, in my city, Best Buy, CompUSA, and Circuit City, all have laptop computers with Microsoft Vista for $399. These computers have 80 GB hard drives, CD burners, DVD players, full screen and keyboard, and good battery life. If you read the reviews about the Asus mini notebook, you’ll find that people complain about the size of the keyboard, excessive heat (the heatsink is a metal panel behind the keyboard), poor battery life, no CD-ROM/DVD drives, and underpowered and low memory. If you want a really nice operating Linux machine, buy one of the cheap Microsoft Vista laptops and just go and install your favorite version of Linux on it.
Or, wait until the end of January. Everex is coming out with a mini notebook with a CD burner and a DVD player, 80 GB hard drive, wireless and Linux preinstalled.
Bruce says: December 31st, 2007 5:26pm
I recently purchased a refurbished Dell Vostro 1000 (1.8GHz Sempron, 512MB RAM, 60GB HD, 15.x” widescreen display and wireless card) for $348 with shipping from Dell’s outlet site. I spent another $33 for an additional 1GB of RAM, reformatted the hard drive (which had Vista Home Basic installed) and installed Linux Mint. Granted, this system is a LOT bigger than the Asus Eee, but for those who prefer a larger display and are willing to sacrifice extreme portability (like my wife), there are options such as this.
aristos_achaion says: January 1st, 2008 12:50pm
You can’t really compare the eeepc to big, clunky, 15.4″ $400 laptops: it doesn’t serve the same purpose. Students like me can’t afford 2K+ for a secondary UMPC system; the eee works wonderfully as a portable complement to a desktop. Try that with a heavy, underpowered windows luggable.
I’m writing this on my eee right now; it’s wonderful–the best $400 I spent in 2007l
raindog469 says: January 1st, 2008 12:52pm
I can’t get a full-sized bargain notebook in my jacket pocket, but the Eee is plenty small for that. Not sure I want to, but I could.
I’m definitely interested in the Everex Cloudbook, but Via chips have a history of underwhelming performance and the higher clock may mean more heat than the Eee. Their gPC ($200 Walmart Linux box) was apparently pretty anemic hardware-wise, and it’s higher-specced than the Cloudbook.
Still, it’ll probably be the pink Eee that I buy for my niece’s birthday. Flash is harder to kill than a hard disk, and she has little fingers and no Windows habits to break.
Even Webkinz will be doable for her once I install Opera on it and set the full-page zoom to about 80%. They should really preinstall Opera on this thing since there’s no per-seat license and the 800×480 thing makes full-page zoom a must, unlike Firefox’s zoom which only affects the fonts.
digitalronin says: January 1st, 2008 1:45pm
Forget vista machines and think how you will be using the laptop. If are doing email, wordprocessing, and simple web design, you don’t need a power hungry vista machine.
online money maker says: January 1st, 2008 11:40pm
I’ve been hearing nothing but good things about the Asus.
If you’re doing mostly word processing and surfing, apparently it’s fine. Definitely can’t be beat to bring along for travelling.
SteveG says: January 4th, 2008 9:47pm
The Eee PC also includes Pidgin IM software. I use that to log into a password-protected conference room for group teleconference backgrounding among participants. It has a very decent PIM, too, and the PIM includes another mail program in addition to the Thunderbird that comes with the Firefox suite. Yes, the screen is somewhat confining, and the keyboard somewhat small, but there are times when I just do not want to lug around my MacBook, small and convenient as that gem is. So, the Eee PC just fits the bill nicely.