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Eee Monitor shots reveal Linux's $500 iMac rival
electronista.com — ASUS' Eee Monitor today has been captured in official photos that confirm the system to be the company's direct answer to the iMac. The all-in-one computer confirms earlier teaser photos and reveals a cross between Apple's Cinema Displays and the iMac, but with two big differences: the use of Linux and just a $500 price tag.
Commodus- 956 diggs
- digg it
- Galaxylander, on 07/01/2008, -63/+14That thing is disgusting.
- jmantra, on 07/02/2008, -18/+10so is your mom, I know from experience
- celkin, on 07/02/2008, -1/+3OH SNAP!
- gtownplaya, on 07/03/2008, -0/+2Mature!
- nmnnotmyname, on 07/02/2008, -6/+33I disagree. Looks pretty slick to me.
- SealandRes1, on 07/02/2008, -2/+1Not a fan of thick bezels, maybe they should put the speakers on the side instead. Oh, and an few I/O ports on the front or side would help too.
- phoomp, on 07/02/2008, -7/+8Is it because of the lack of an Apple logo?
- jmantra, on 07/02/2008, -18/+10so is your mom, I know from experience
- shrewduser, on 07/02/2008, -24/+58not everyone likes everything to be ipod white and have an apple symbol prominently on the back....
- griz, on 07/02/2008, -13/+38Yes, I like mine in aluminum with an Apple on the front.
- smashingmonkey, on 07/02/2008, -16/+18Tell me, how many white iMacs were produced in the last year? None? So what exactly is your point?
- stinkipete, on 07/02/2008, -12/+15Oh come on now, he was referring to a stereotype. It's when people argue mostly non-relevant technicalities like this that we begin to see fanboy wars emerging.
The point, sir, is that the majority of people would associate iMacs with "iPod white," with an apple symbol prominently on the back. I believe his point was that although Galaxylander finds the Eee Monitor "disgusting," it's really a matter of personal taste, and as the article compares the Eee to the iMac, it is expected that similar comparisons would be made in the comments on said article.
now ***** off you ***** fanboy *****. - superxero044, on 07/02/2008, -2/+5actually quite a few.
the aluminum imacs didn't come out until last August - smashingmonkey, on 07/02/2008, -2/+3As long as you're going to be technical about it, any white iMacs were produced more than a year ago.
And stinkipete, you couldn't be more off-base. I'm not a fanboy. I love Apple and I hate Apple. I love Windows and I hate Windows. I professionally support and use both on a daily basis. I know both operating systems in and out and I can recognize that each has tremendous strengths and inexcusable weaknesses. Your vulgar response reveals more about your fanboy nature than it does mine.
- stinkipete, on 07/02/2008, -12/+15Oh come on now, he was referring to a stereotype. It's when people argue mostly non-relevant technicalities like this that we begin to see fanboy wars emerging.
- otho03, on 07/02/2008, -8/+15Not everyone likes pepperoni pizza either, what's your point?
- etandrib, on 07/02/2008, -11/+1Yep, you are right. But I usually only pay money for a computer that actually is useful. This may be useful to some people but not me. I'll stick with software that actually works.
- daftman, on 07/02/2008, -0/+3That's a pointless statement. You know that others can say EXACTLY the same thing about the crap you're using?
- supermanred, on 07/03/2008, -1/+3But Asus loves the Apple Symbol , seing as they have been manufacturing the Macbooks and iMacs for many years now. The only reason they could even make this product is due to the technology they developed with the help from Apple to downsize their motherboards and fit everything into the monitor case. Same with intel and the Macbook Air, which gave their R&D department quite a work out.
Asus makes Apple products, so this isn't in any way Asus' ***** you to Apple as many here seem to think.
This is basically a volkswagen when compared to the iMac Ferrarri.
- derkles, on 07/02/2008, -2/+43It is really not that bad looking compared to most consumer electronic pablum sold today. Linux+TV Tuner+$500=awesome
- bdbr, on 07/02/2008, -2/+3I hope that TV tuner is ATSC, though - NTSC will be phased out soon.
- Jerky1312, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1-$500
- Oxygen, on 07/02/2008, -14/+2But can I play WoW on it?
- badassninja, on 07/02/2008, -9/+8Man, I thought everyone had given up on that game. All my friends have anyways. Regardless, WOW can be played perfectly thru Wine. But I thought wow was just for picking up 16 year old girls.
- Kingoftherings, on 07/02/2008, -3/+12Girls don't play WoW.
- jrattner1, on 07/02/2008, -0/+13Yet it sounds like you just stopped playing yesterday....
- HonestAbe, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1416 year old girls, you say? How do I install this "WOW" that you speak of?
- Dylson, on 07/02/2008, -2/+910 million people tells me that the game is far from dead, sir.
- japostoles, on 07/02/2008, -2/+11yes.
- badassninja, on 07/02/2008, -9/+8Man, I thought everyone had given up on that game. All my friends have anyways. Regardless, WOW can be played perfectly thru Wine. But I thought wow was just for picking up 16 year old girls.
- badassninja, on 07/02/2008, -1/+101Asus, you're doing it right.
- dragon76, on 07/02/2008, -1/+15The best thing that Asus is doing is saying NO to Microsoft. There's no reason why someone just wanting to use internet applications can't just opt for something lightweight like this with a simple Linux install on it. Not much has really changed in the scope of thi internet since the late 90's and really, this is MORE than enough machine to be used for browser, IM and email.
- Unlgued, on 07/02/2008, -1/+4I'm sure they'll be SKUing windows versions soon, like they did with the EeePC. They aren't saying "NO" to microsoft, just "Maybe." At least that's a start.
- HonoredMule, on 07/02/2008, -0/+6They're saying no to a predominantly Windows-exclusive PC market. Nevermind a good start...that's a satisfactory end.
- zdiggler, on 07/02/2008, -3/+2For it to succeeds it need to be able to Run XP or Vista. Just don't need to come installed. I can already see it going into cash register systems.
- vainbrian, on 07/03/2008, -0/+1except for the logo
- etandrib, on 07/02/2008, -2/+3They are doing it right for the lightweight market. I wouldn't count on this playing HD video (well) or doing anything other than browsing the internet and sending email.
- badassninja, on 07/04/2008, -0/+1No crap.
- fluxion, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1except for the stand
- dragon76, on 07/02/2008, -1/+15The best thing that Asus is doing is saying NO to Microsoft. There's no reason why someone just wanting to use internet applications can't just opt for something lightweight like this with a simple Linux install on it. Not much has really changed in the scope of thi internet since the late 90's and really, this is MORE than enough machine to be used for browser, IM and email.
- Shiftgood, on 07/02/2008, -1/+74Hey, before a giant Mac vs. Pc brawl breaks out how about we just all swallow our pride and our sense of self richeousness and just congratulate Eee for making what looks to be a pretty cool machine. Definatley a good product to help diversify and expand the technology portfolio.
I think the price tag is great to help close some technology gaps in society and the all in 1 design pays great tribute to the kids doing hard work over at apple. A non major OS like Linux is also a plus in my book.- kinglenster, on 07/02/2008, -2/+19Why argue about Mac and PC when this is a Linux machine anyway. Looks pretty cool too.
- victorc26, on 07/02/2008, -2/+19Linux machines are PCs...
- thwoom, on 07/02/2008, -0/+16than aren't macs technically PCs? i mean its all intel anyways
- Dubbsacc, on 07/02/2008, -1/+15Mac machines are PCs...
- victorc26, on 07/02/2008, -4/+14Yep. Mac machines are PCs too.
They have been since the Intel switch.
It still surprises me how many people still think Macs are "Superior" hardware wise. And then the confused and "You're lying" look they get when they're told their machine is the equivalent to an Intel Windows machine spec wise.
EDIT: And I like how I was dugg down for that. I was agreeing with you... - kinnetick, on 07/02/2008, -0/+7PC = Personal Computer
- victorc26, on 07/02/2008, -0/+8I agree with you there too. But it's a term that turned into "x86 machine".
But now, thanks to the Mac ads, It turned into "Any computer that's not an Apple product". Some might even interpret a PC as a "Windows box" for some strange reason.
I like Macs, and I like all platforms equally, but I hate Apple's marketing campaign, and I hate some Mac user's attitude with these issues. - zdiggler, on 07/02/2008, -2/+2I used to get Dug way down when I say Mac = PC hardware with MacOS installed.
Its good to see a few +'s these comments, - mrBitch, on 07/03/2008, -1/+1Well, a Mac is ALMOST the same hardware as a PC -- just missing an upgrade from BIOS to using Intel's EFI.
A little blurb on good old BIOS :
Intro : "since 1981 the PC has continued to use the creaky, old, and simplistic BIOS for firmware-level device management. BIOS in turn is tied to MBR, the archaic partitioning system that is inflexible, insecure, and inherently limited by its obsolete design." - mrBitch, on 07/03/2008, -1/+1in before the "why is EFI any better than BIOS?"
Answer -- Why EFI is better than BIOS :
1. Intel's EFI allows for far more than BIOS MBR's four primary, bootable partitions. The standard EFI partition table allows for 128 bootable partitions.
2. EFI's GPT duplicates its partition table, keeping a secondary backup on the end of the disk. This allows the drive to remain readable even if the main critical partition information is damaged or corrupted. Both tables also have a calculated checksum, so the system can detect a corrupt file partition index, and know to use the duplicate.
3. EFI can not be compromised by boot sector viruses, but BIOS can. BIOS knows nothing about the partitions on drives, or if they contain a bootable OS; it just blindly hands over control to the MBR, which similarly hands control to the VBRs it knows about. That enables boot sector viruses, and also makes it impossible for PC makers to offer the simple Startup Disk function that Macs have used for decades.
4. As an attempt to allow BIOS to be able to hold more partitions, Microsoft built a secondary system of partitions on top of the creeky old MBR using Extended MBR, which is just a secondary partition map that can point to additional logical volumes called extended partitions. BIOS can only boot one of the four primary partitions in the MBR however; extended partitions are not bootable, nor can DOS utilities access them.
5. Customers don't know to ask for the functionality Intel's EFI provides, because they don't realize what crap the PC BIOS design is - and the Wintel world is giving customers crap because their consumers are not asking for anything better. The PC world is not driven by innovation, but by low prices.
PS :
- out of interest, did you know :
Microsoft's 64-bit Itanium version of Windows boots from and uses EFI GPT volumes, because the reference platform for Itanium uses EFI. - lengau, on 07/03/2008, -1/+2Yes, but EFI was developed for IBM computers in the 90's and is used widely outside of the Mac arena, too.
So having EFI instead of BIOS isn't really anything major, except that they embedded DRM into the lowest layer of the computer. - mrBitch, on 07/30/2008, -0/+1@lengau RE: "having EFI instead of BIOS isn't really anything major, except that they embedded DRM into the lowest layer of the computer."
Now you just exposed your complete lack of knowledge as to what EFI actually does.
If (as you say) the only reason for EFI is to embed DRM into the lowest layer... then go ask all the people who have setup OSX on their hackintosh PCs with no DRM in sight.
You are just spouting crap and you don't even understand what EFI is.
Please do a little bit of background research before you post - otherwise you only make yourself more of an idiot than you already are.
Why EFI is better than BIOS :
1. Intel's EFI allows for far more than BIOS MBR's four primary, bootable partitions. The standard EFI partition table allows for 128 bootable partitions.
2. EFI's GPT duplicates its partition table, keeping a secondary backup on the end of the disk. This allows the drive to remain readable even if the main critical partition information is damaged or corrupted. Both tables also have a calculated checksum, so the system can detect a corrupt file partition index, and know to use the duplicate.
3. EFI can not be compromised by boot sector viruses, but BIOS can. BIOS knows nothing about the partitions on drives, or if they contain a bootable OS; it just blindly hands over control to the MBR, which similarly hands control to the VBRs it knows about. That enables boot sector viruses, and also makes it impossible for PC makers to offer the simple Startup Disk function that Macs have used for decades.
4. As an attempt to allow BIOS to be able to hold more partitions, Microsoft built a secondary system of partitions on top of the creeky old MBR using Extended MBR, which is just a secondary partition map that can point to additional logical volumes called extended partitions. BIOS can only boot one of the four primary partitions in the MBR however; extended partitions are not bootable, nor can DOS utilities access them.
5. Customers don't know to ask for the functionality Intel's EFI provides, because they don't realize what crap the PC BIOS design is - and the Wintel world is giving customers crap because their consumers are not asking for anything better. The PC world is not driven by innovation, but by low prices.
PS :
- out of interest, did you know :
Microsoft's 64-bit Itanium version of Windows boots from and uses EFI GPT volumes, because the reference platform for Itanium uses EFI.
- superkendall, on 07/02/2008, -3/+21I'm a Mac supporter and think it looks like a great system. All of the negative comments seem to be from PC owners thinking this is some kind of major victory over the Mac, when in fact what is really is, is much simpler - a victory for Linux itself.
- Radan, on 07/02/2008, -1/+4Even if it came preinstalled with Windows Vista it doesn't matter. Even though I have been using Macs my entire life and would rather stop using computers completely than using Windows, I see no reason for screaming and argue in capital letters over the interwebs like many nearly instinctly does.
I think this looks like a rather nice computer, and I like how more companies start building desktop computers with built in screens like Apple has. For most regular home users I see absolutely no reason for them having a tower taking up the entire desk. The fact that it also looks rather good is not directly a drawback either.
It has always bothered me that for some reason it has always been impossible for a computer, or well, electronics in general to look nice. I mean, everyone is so careful when buying chairs, sofas, tables and lamps, but the fact that the computer, which many spends most of their time looking directly at, should look good doesn't even pop up in their minds for a second.
- Radan, on 07/02/2008, -1/+4Even if it came preinstalled with Windows Vista it doesn't matter. Even though I have been using Macs my entire life and would rather stop using computers completely than using Windows, I see no reason for screaming and argue in capital letters over the interwebs like many nearly instinctly does.
- KnightWhoSaysNi, on 07/02/2008, -1/+5richeousness?
- r3zonance, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2Yeah, this looks to be quite a nice system (I'm a mac owner).
The only people creating this "righteousness" though was the submitter with the "iMac rival" comment.
It's almost as if PC users deliberately go out of their way to provoke a reaction (surely not on digg). :P
- r3zonance, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2Yeah, this looks to be quite a nice system (I'm a mac owner).
- Sheeplike, on 07/02/2008, -3/+3There all PCs dammit!
- mk3k, on 07/02/2008, -1/+5They're
I'll admit I hated the grammar Nazis around but just maybe Americans will stop sounding like idiots if people keep beating it into their head. - r3zonance, on 07/02/2008, -2/+3Oh stop being pedantic. Everyone knows that for the sake of arguments a Mac is NOT a PC.
- supermanred, on 07/03/2008, -0/+1Yes, The Mac was introduced as the Macintosh PC.
- mk3k, on 07/02/2008, -1/+5They're
- Buttercup, on 07/02/2008, -3/+4a "non major os like linux"?
you realize there are more linux servers on the internet than MS or apple servers... right?
so wouldn't that make linux _THE_ major OS in this internet age?
sure it doesn't have as much ground in the consumer market because people are f'ing retarded and don't want to learn something "new" and "hard". but that doesn't mean you should discount it as a major OS.- nurriz, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2So anyone not using Linux is retarded?
- desuexmachina, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1One linux server serving pages to half a million users isn't as important as what the half a million users are using to access it. Linux is a fine server but here we're talking about desktop OSes and Linux is not a major player there, yet.
Calling people retarded because they use what works is part of the reason some of us aren't migrating yet. Just like I won't migrate to Apple because of their commercials. Linux is being marketed by it's userbase and if this is your idea of good marketing then there's no hope. - zdiggler, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1Still no Major Desktop OS.
Even on serverside MS gained a lot of server space in last 5 years.
- LimitedReality, on 07/02/2008, -2/+0*They're dammit! ;)
- bobartig, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2Also, before the Mac vs. PC arguments spew all over the place, keep in mind that there are plenty of All in One computer designs out there, and that Apple happens to make a really great one. Also, AIO designs from Apple/HP/Dell are consistently in the $1200+ range. The PC ones are in the $1800+, which tends to relegate them to obscurity.
For Eee to make a ~$500 AIO desktop is definitely expanding the product genre by bringing down the price point, and I think the important thing is to evaluate this product based on its own merits, instead of instantly comparing it to the iMac just because it is also an AIO system. - drewbudd, on 07/02/2008, -0/+3ASUS DAMNIT! ASUS, NOT EEE!
Sorry, Eee isn't who is making it. It is just a name. You dont talk about Latitude making laptops, now do you?- zdiggler, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1Knowing Asus, the manual probably come in Chinglish but stuff works!
I love their routers and Motherboards. - drewbudd, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2I own an EeePC and from what I remember, the manual wasn't that bad. But then again, I'm not an idiot so I don't look at manuals. If I need to find out what to do with my EeePC, I just got to eeeuser. Hell, tech support from Asus tells you to go there for help.
- zdiggler, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1Knowing Asus, the manual probably come in Chinglish but stuff works!
- Zounas, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1Definitely*
- kinglenster, on 07/02/2008, -2/+19Why argue about Mac and PC when this is a Linux machine anyway. Looks pretty cool too.
- n0odles, on 07/02/2008, -23/+11$500, iMac pwn'd.
- MNiT, on 07/02/2008, -3/+201.6GHz Atom?
Yeah, the iMac is pwned for sure... - otho03, on 07/02/2008, -2/+6This will not "pwn" any aspect of the iMac. It will merely tap into a market that wouldn't have been able to purchase one anyhow due to the price. It's not a replacement or "pwnz0r", just another option.
- tnoy, on 07/02/2008, -0/+8It'll be fine for anyone thats just using a computer for the web and email.. ..which is exactly what people tend to lablel the average iMac user as.
That said, you'd have to be high to think that this would 'pwn' the iMac. - kinnetick, on 07/02/2008, -1/+4People still say "pwn'd"?
- MNiT, on 07/02/2008, -3/+201.6GHz Atom?
- tannermenzel, on 07/02/2008, -2/+4hell yes to that one!
- Rotzooi, on 07/02/2008, -12/+3Maybe if they called it the iMonitor...
- Unlgued, on 07/02/2008, -1/+2Ugh no. But the name "Eee Monitor" does need work.
- Lane, on 07/02/2008, -0/+24Are those denon speakers? Could it be that for once, just once... a company included built in speakers worth having??? Truly revolutionary! Lets hope they don't cheap out at the last minute.
- aautopsy, on 07/02/2008, -3/+2Just noticed that, that's actually pretty impressive. Denon makes really quality stuff.
- RoboRay, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2Denon makes decent preamp and processor sections. Speakers and amps... not so much.
- bxblox, on 07/02/2008, -0/+17The computer is actually only $200 but they included the $300 Ethernet cable.
- bdbr, on 07/02/2008, -0/+5As the Polk speakers that came with HP systems have shown, putting a good brand name on crappy speakers doesn't make them sound any better.
- pHr34kY, on 07/03/2008, -0/+3Either Asus have started caring about sound quality, or Denon have stopped caring about sound quality. I'm yet to decide.
- aautopsy, on 07/02/2008, -3/+2Just noticed that, that's actually pretty impressive. Denon makes really quality stuff.
- Dylson, on 07/02/2008, -20/+7This is the ugliest monitor ever.
- waspbr, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2wtf,you are ugly!
- Dylson, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1How would you know?
- waspbr, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2wtf,you are ugly!
- hamobu, on 07/02/2008, -14/+7I don't get it. You could get a brand new laptop for less.
- LastDitchHero, on 07/02/2008, -2/+6I really hope it supports Compiz-Fusion out of the box. Also Xandros is ok but most people will prefer other distros if they are preloading Xandros again.
- GutterMoo, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1I'm sure you could just wipe it and install your own.
- zombies187, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1Yeah, isn't but isn't Xandros a proprietary form of Linux? I have it on my eee and its my first go at any distribution. One of the reasons I bought it was because I thought Linux being free kept the price low. Now I find that it cost $50! Its less than XP but since there ARE free distributions it seems like the cheapest laptop should have a free OS! Also I understand that it is 'crippled.'
- LastDitchHero, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1Your right about Xandros in many respects. It is a "crippled" Linux. It also has pretty good support for a desktop Linux. It also has management tools for systems that work like Windows Server 2003. It is good for businesses migrating to Linux or want some cheaper Linux boxes in a Windows shop. It really is the Windows version of Linux. Also it isn't updated near as much.
It is ok for new people but most other distros will blow it out of the water on performance. But for the EEE PC it was a good choice IMO for putting on there for people who don't know the difference between Linux and Windows.
- LastDitchHero, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1Your right about Xandros in many respects. It is a "crippled" Linux. It also has pretty good support for a desktop Linux. It also has management tools for systems that work like Windows Server 2003. It is good for businesses migrating to Linux or want some cheaper Linux boxes in a Windows shop. It really is the Windows version of Linux. Also it isn't updated near as much.
- Tourney3p0, on 07/02/2008, -22/+8This thing makes Apple's stuff look downright lame.
- kidjay, on 07/02/2008, -7/+2...w...what
- superkendall, on 07/02/2008, -7/+19Now THAT is how you get Linux on the desktop...
I don't think it will replace many iMac purchases as user support is still easier if you get someone a Mac. But it looks like a great system for all sorts of uses, including point of sale systems for small stores...- otho03, on 07/02/2008, -5/+3Or like, propping up wobbly table legs and such.
- ElTomacco, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1Good one. I disagree but I'll digg it for humor anyway.
- waspbr, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1Hardware support maybe, though software wise linux has got the best support there is, take the ubuntu forums for instance, technical questions there are answered almost instantly. With just a google search you are going to find a solution to 90% of your software problems.
- otho03, on 07/02/2008, -5/+3Or like, propping up wobbly table legs and such.
- mallchin, on 07/02/2008, -17/+18This thing makes Apple's stuff look awesome.
I'm not keen on the stand on the rear, and less keen I can see it from the from front through a translucent plastic strip.- otho03, on 07/02/2008, -5/+4MORE awesome.
- beatryder, on 07/02/2008, -2/+8Slap a touchscreen on one of those bad boys and I'll take one!
- frequentFlyer, on 07/02/2008, -9/+1buried for insinuating that "Linux" is a company. derrrrrrrr.
- chevriley, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1how do you figure that?
- frequentFlyer, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1Really?
- chevriley, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1how do you figure that?
- Willravel, on 07/02/2008, -1/+32I beg pardon, but it's a lot less powerful and a lot cheaper than the iMac. Perhaps it's a rival in the sense that they both use the monitor as a hiding place, but other than that they're simply different. It'd be like saying the Alienware Area-51 ALX's new rival is a base model Dell because... you know, because they're both towers.
- otho03, on 07/02/2008, -0/+5These are the words that I was looking for.
- JBrown99, on 07/02/2008, -3/+1Well Dell owns Alienware, so...
But I definitely get what you're saying. Good point. - waspbr, on 07/02/2008, -2/+1You have to see that this is an EEE series PC, it is not meant to be powerful for most people don't really use the full power of their computers anyway. Though you are right in the sense that the market segment is rather different from that of an imac, to some extent. I doubt that most imac users are use even a quarter of the available computing power.
- digitallysick, on 07/02/2008, -1/+6specs?
- eighties, on 07/02/2008, -2/+5Optical drive?
- YURGAY, on 07/02/2008, -11/+0can it play CRYSIS!!!!!!!!???????????
- blackdude, on 07/02/2008, -0/+6You can only run a joke so long before it's just lame. This would be one of those examples.
- celkin, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2No.
- domokunt, on 07/02/2008, -0/+15Eee makes me want a budget computer. Wierd.
- HonestAbe, on 07/02/2008, -11/+11I want to bitch about how Linux will never take off on the desktop as long as command-line worshiping nerds are in charge, with no concept of usability or any idea of how normal people interact with their computers, but it's not worth the effort to write out a real rant, since they'll just bury me. So a run-on sentence is all you get.
- Ranguvar, on 07/02/2008, -4/+4That's because Linux is for nerds, by nerds. The desire to reach out to everyone is coming slowly. If you're a nerd, the command line is where it's at. Apple and Microsoft hide everything behind a GUI because they're trying to make a profit. The Linux devs are making something more for their personal use. Don't like it? Don't use it. But I think everyone agrees that a world dominated by open source software would be a good world. It'll just take a while to get there.
- caseycoold, on 07/02/2008, -1/+3"Don't like it? Don't use it."
HA!
I can't tell you how many linux users scream bloody murder when I mention windows. I really want to run linux, but the time to learn it is something I don't have.
HonestAbe hit a note I've been trying to convey for years. Well done, sir.
- caseycoold, on 07/02/2008, -1/+3"Don't like it? Don't use it."
- kdesu, on 07/02/2008, -2/+1You should try out a modern Linux distro (openSUSE 11.0, Ubuntu 8.04, Fedora 9, etc...). The Linux you heard about a few years ago is very different from the Linux that exists today; few, if any everyday tasks involve the command line. Hell, there's even a GUI for compiling source code.
The point is, there is a reason why people who bring out the command line argument are buried: it's often mistaken for trolling.- HonestAbe, on 07/09/2008, -0/+1I've been using Ubuntu exclusively for more than a year, and I had made several failed attempts to convert to other distros in the 5 or 6 years prior (before pulling out all my hair and going back to XP).
Ubuntu's the best I've seen so far, but it still has a loooong way to go.
- HonestAbe, on 07/09/2008, -0/+1I've been using Ubuntu exclusively for more than a year, and I had made several failed attempts to convert to other distros in the 5 or 6 years prior (before pulling out all my hair and going back to XP).
- kwilliam, on 07/03/2008, -1/+4Command-line worshipping nerds have long lost their throne. Modern distributions are very centered on usable GUI interfaces, as are Gnome and KDE. KDE4 in particular puts a lot of emphasis on usability research.
- HonestAbe, on 07/09/2008, -0/+1The distros are certainly improving, but not fast enough to catch up with the commercial OSes. Why? Because the command-line worshipping nerds are still around, controlling everything behind the scenes and doing their best to resist any attempts at progress.
- Ranguvar, on 07/02/2008, -4/+4That's because Linux is for nerds, by nerds. The desire to reach out to everyone is coming slowly. If you're a nerd, the command line is where it's at. Apple and Microsoft hide everything behind a GUI because they're trying to make a profit. The Linux devs are making something more for their personal use. Don't like it? Don't use it. But I think everyone agrees that a world dominated by open source software would be a good world. It'll just take a while to get there.
- clockdist, on 07/02/2008, -0/+5Great machine to give the kids...since it can double as a TV.
- PabloMac, on 07/02/2008, -17/+5Eee? I say "Eeew."
- supermanly, on 07/02/2008, -2/+2And I say, "You're getting buried."
- bdbr, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2...because it looks like a flat-screen monitor?
- otho03, on 07/02/2008, -3/+18And I suppose their first Eepc laptop was a Macbook killer because it was cheaper and white? Like The Eepc, its a lot less powerful and comes with a different set of options, it's not intended to be the "next" [insert apple product]. It's not a killer, just an interesting alternative. And it is interesting, don't get me wrong, I just don't like articles like this one that are instantly all about "OMG SHOVE THIS UP YOUR PIPE AND SMOKE IT APPLE"
- Unlgued, on 07/02/2008, -1/+3Okay, settle down. Stop comparing my beloved Eee PC line to Apple products. Different devices for different purposes sold to different people based on different requirements.
- zombies187, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1i MIGHT digg that article...
- InorganicMatter, on 07/02/2008, -10/+4Ewww. Looks like the aMac is going to be just as ugly as the hMac, gMac, and dMac. When are these people going to figure out that if they're going to position their all-in-ones to go head-to-head with Apple, they need at least as good as (preferably better than) the iMac. The iMac is NOT that good-looking, so it's not like it'd be hard to top its look, are they trying to make it ugly on purpose?
It's also far too expensive, especially for having an Atom. Those thing were MADE for super-low-cost computers, they are ridiculously cheap! This needs to be $300-400 at the most.- XxtraLarGe, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2I don't know what your standards are, but I own a 24" iMac, and everyone I know thinks it is STUNNING in appearance.
- NeoMatrixJR, on 07/02/2008, -6/+0EPIC WIN! Denon Speakers?! Give me a USB HD tuner/component input device w/ remote control that works w/ linux and BEST TV/WEB/WHATEVER LINUX CAN DO DEVICE EVAR.
- Zzone, on 07/02/2008, -0/+2get laid
- caseycoold, on 07/02/2008, -0/+1STOP YELLING
- ksgant, on 07/02/2008, -5/+13Sweet! A direct rival to the iMac!
So this runs OS X then?
If not, then not much of a rival, for me at least. But others that like Linux this is great news!- Nanite, on 07/02/2008, -7/+10I came in here to say exactly this. Linux is great but usability-wise it just can't touch Mac OSX.
- phoomp, on 07/02/2008, -8/+3MacOS usability is not all that the Mac community cracks it up to be (coming from a Mac user and usability analyst).
One example of poor Mac usability: no native keyboard navigation in dialog boxes and web pages. If I hit ctrl-q to quit an app, I don't want to have to use the mouse to confirm or cancel the system's request to save the file I'm working on. If I'm filling out a form and tabbing between fields, I don't want to use the mouse just to fill in the drop-boxes, check-boxes and radio buttons. I also to want to have to find the obscure setting in the system setting to enable that functionality. - lieven, on 07/02/2008, -0/+7You're not a Mac user. It's command-q, and you can enable keyboard shortcuts for all user interface items in the keyboard prefpane. How obscure is that?
- phoomp, on 07/02/2008, -8/+3MacOS usability is not all that the Mac community cracks it up to be (coming from a Mac user and usability analyst).
- xutopia, on 07/02/2008, -0/+5It isn't a rival for the iMac afaik. It's more of an alternative computer for those just doing lightweight emailing and surfing.
- Unlgued, on 07/02/2008, -1/+3Not legally.
- caseycoold, on 07/02/2008, -3/+3come're so I can BEAT you, little fan-boy
- pHr34kY, on 07/03/2008, -3/+1How are you supposed to rival Mac OSX by shipping with Mac OSX?
It rivals mac on both a hardware AND software level!
- Nanite, on 07/02/2008, -7/+10I came in here to say exactly this. Linux is great but usability-wise it just can't touch Mac OSX.
- Mikey9oo, on 07/02/2008, -1/+9This looks cool. However, it is not in any way crossed (design-wise) with Apple's Cinema Displays. Not even close.
Inaccurate description. - bpapa, on 07/02/2008, -11/+5Damn that thing is ugly. Also, it doesn't run OS X. So yeah, I wouldn't call it an iMac rival, but it seems like a cool machine for folks that love Linux.
- gunderoo, on 07/02/2008, -4/+6the design is boring.
- zaren, on 07/02/2008, -2/+8I'm a die-hard Mac fanboy, and I'd happily advise anyone in my family to buy one of these if I couldn't convince them to buy a Mac. The price is definitely right for the low-end use they'd put a machine through - email and web access, mostly. Linux oughta be able to handle that, right? :)
- bdbr, on 07/02/2008, -1/+8They should have just left the stupid Mac comparison out of it.
- Kelmon, on 07/02/2008, -2/+4Buried as inaccurate. In no way does this computer going to rival an iMac. The design makes it look more like a digital photo frame and the specification might not even beat a MacBook Air, let alone an iMac (1.6GHz Atom vs. 2.4 GHz Penryn?). Yes, it's much cheaper. If you wanted an iMac for its all-in-one design but think it's overkill for your purposes, then the Eee Monitor could be for you. If you want everything that the iMac delivers then this thing is not a contender simply because the specification is so low in comparison.
- digiguy, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1If they don't run MacOSX legally, how are they rivals?
- caseycoold, on 07/02/2008, -0/+4I think your narrow-minded version of rival is hurting you...
- orenshk, on 07/02/2008, -0/+6Quoting the article: "Previous reports have confirmed that the Eee Monitor will aim at a largely different price and audience than the iMac"
And yet the title is "Eee Monitor shots reveal Linux's $500 iMac rival".
Can you say sensationalism?
That said, this looks like a great machine. - falafelkiosken, on 07/02/2008, -1/+1is it portable?
- waspbr, on 07/02/2008, -1/+3In some sense they are market rivals. Before you rip me to pieces hear me out. Most people that buy computers these days do not use them fully, unless you are going to to work on computer science or some complex graphical designing (in this case you would need a good GPU more than a good CPU). The reality is that most people are going to use their computers for web browsing, office work and media playing, things which can both be done in the EEE series monitor and the imac. So an average consumer MAY very well consider that for very cheap he could do the same things he/she would do in a more powerful machine. Although I doubt this could threaten the (evil) mac empire, it could take those basic consumers away from the imac and eat some of apple's market share. The question is then how big would this share be?How many people will be willing to trade trendy (-ish) for cheap...
- supermanred, on 07/03/2008, -0/+2For all you Apple haters claiming how Asus is "sticking it" to Apple, etc. I'll let you in on some information:
Apple's iMacs, Macbooks and more are MANUFACTURED by ASUS.
Just thought I'd let you all know before you make yourself sound any more silly. - migel628, on 07/03/2008, -0/+1Not really an iMac rival, but still a good looking product for $500.
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