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Linux-powered LinPC desktop is a bargain

linux.com — The new generation of inexpensive netbooks may be wonderful, but for my main desktop I want a real machine -- something I can open up, clean, and add to. So I was extremely tickled recently to trade for a new LinPC, an economical personal computer that features PCLinuxOS MiniMe 2008 preinstalled and ready to go.

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  • DangerCollie, on 09/08/2008, -1/+42We've been replacing our retiring Windows boxes with Ubuntu and have experienced very few user acceptance issues. Surprisingly few. We save a bundle of money running Linux, servers and desktops.
  • santasing, on 09/08/2008, -2/+21I have pretty much switched over to Ubuntu full time at home. I have an XBox and a PS3 for gaming. I used to keep windows around for Netflix, but Netflix does not work on my dual core 64 bit, 3GB RAM 1 month old laptop. So, its an Ubuntu machine now.
  • colonels1020, on 09/08/2008, -19/+2PCs are for fart huffers and Macs get you laid.
  • Waterrat, on 09/08/2008, -0/+5A,so enjoying Linux...Can't complain.
  • eezyynet, on 09/09/2008, -0/+2I really like linux, but I can't use it in my work. Everyone who are working with me uses windows.
    • tito13kfm, on 09/09/2008, -0/+11So?
      Linux machines will happily interface with the windows network, join a domain, edit word documents, spit out pdfs, access the exchange server, edit databases, and anything else a windows machine will do (you don't need gaming for work). Unless there is a specific program you are required to run that will not run on linux there is no reason you can't use it.
      • waydee, on 09/09/2008, -0/+3I somehow doubt the IT dept of most companies want their users running Linux.

        of course this depends but I'd wager most would like all machines to be running an OS that they can effectively support and dictate policy to.
      • mrBitch, on 09/09/2008, -0/+4@waydee RE: " I somehow doubt the IT dept of most companies want their users running Linux. "

        Our company installs and sets up servers running ERP software for the mining sector, and almost all of our servers are running Red Hat Enterprise Linux (almost completely switched over from legacy SCO Unix).

        Interesting when we check what these guys are running for their other networking services and infrastructure. When we ask if their IT Dept would ever consider using Windows Server the usual comment is that "Windows is Ok for desktops running Excel".

        What was that you were saying?
      • eezyynet, on 09/10/2008, -0/+1Of course you can use linux software to do everything. But as considering exchanging files, it is not good enoough. I can use open office edit, read doc files. However, in most cases, you need to finish something and give out to your boss. You boss only use ms office, when he opens your file created by open office, there will be some formatting diffenrence. Not boss would like to spend their time on formatting for you. So you have to use the same software with your boss. I just hope one day, there will be a common file format, everybody can use it by any editor software. I know there are some standard file formats. However MS don't use it or your boss don't know how to use it. Big problem. :(
      • mrBitch, on 09/12/2008, -0/+1RE: " ... you have to use the same software with your boss.

        I just hope one day, there will be a common file format, everybody can use it by any editor software. I know there are some standard file formats. However MS don't use it .. "

        There's a VERY good reason why MS don't use standard file formats, and that's because Microsoft are too scared to have their software stand on their own merit.

        MS software is locked in with proprietary formats to avoid having MS software compete openly with other competing products.
  • 4d669, on 09/09/2008, -2/+5throw some ***** together at newegg, dualboot ubuntu and xp performance edtion. It'll be cheaper and faster than anything else out there.
    • Asshate, on 09/09/2008, -7/+2Does XP even work on modern hardware?
      • Tenoq, on 09/09/2008, -2/+8Better than Vista usually.
      • stretch611, on 09/09/2008, -1/+6Yes, because Vista has not been accepted to the point that hardware manufacturers will not backport device drivers.
  • zachsilvey, on 09/09/2008, -0/+12any consumer level computer that comes with linux pre-installed is ok in my book
  • Owwmykneecap, on 09/09/2008, -1/+7Sir Popper:
    129 days since you joined
    50,096 diggs

    *drum roll*
    388 diggs a day.

    Your winning so far.
  • tito13kfm, on 09/09/2008, -0/+8Similarly configured system from newegg $260. $49 for assembly, configuration, OS installation, and support is a hell of a deal.

    Would make a capable media center. Throw in a capture card and install MythTV.
  • DeuceDiggalow, on 09/09/2008, -0/+6Boy, I tell ya, I sure like me them linux computers.
  • gradivus, on 09/09/2008, -1/+3Yeah, $300 is a steal for that(except I like windows). Just add in a good video card and a 500G HD and you have a dirt cheap, pre-built machine. For people who just want a desktop for email its a real winner.
    • mrBitch, on 09/09/2008, -0/+4RE: " For people who just want a desktop for email its a real winner. "

      And, if you install Linux, you get to do a lot more than just "email".
  • Myztry, on 09/09/2008, -0/+3I'm wondering why the case is so big considering they opt for a micro-atx motherboard. One of the advantages of Linux is you don't need bigger, hotter hardware to get a decent performing system. I wouldn't mind seeing some Linux modules that could be discreetly plugged into the back of the lounge room LCD, with a wireless keyboard, mouse and storage.
    For too long, the IBM PC compatible architecture has mean big empty boxes overflowing with spaghetti out the back... At $300 PC's are just replaceable appliances like movie players... Who in all honesty upgrades their systems these days. Not me.
    Build it from parts, and by the time it's time to step up, all the slots have changed. Hand it down, and build a new one.
    Oh, and the best thing about boxes like the LinPC. You won't see S3 and other queer cheapo chipsets. It's like getting certified hardware without the hassle of worrying about such things.
    • tnoy, on 09/09/2008, -0/+5Cases like this are typically used because they're cheap. Its very common for someone to secure a run of them for $20 or less each.
    • gradivus, on 09/09/2008, -1/+2There are a ton of Linux PCs that come in much smaller ultra micro PC packages. This is for people who want a full desktop tower, with real cooling and max upgrade ability. You can stick 2-3TBs of HD in this, 3-4 dvd drives and every memory card reader you can find. This is a step in the right direction, every step counts.
      • Myztry, on 09/09/2008, -0/+2I think tnoy is more on the money. Micro ATX boards generally only have 1 pci slot which doesn't make them very upgradable. My Full ATX case has 4 3 1/2 drive bays below the 5 1/4 line, with 1.5 Terrabyte using just 2 of them. You don't need all that height unless you've got 4 optical drivers for some strange reason.
        I think the huge cases are best described as the mass economics of bad habits. Bigger is bett... well cheaper.
  • RicktheBrick, on 09/09/2008, -1/+1In my opinion this computer is a waste of money. First the 1 gig of memory will have to be either thrown or given away. Memory should always be the max possible so it should have a least one stick of 2 gigabyte memory that way if one wants to expand one can buy another 2 gig stick. Second is the size of the hard drive as 500 gigabytes should be the minimum size today so the hard drive will either have to be replaced or a second one added to it. Third is the dual processor as the q6600 or quad processor would be just as cheap. I do volunteer for the world community grid and I have a duo amd 64 4200+ running ubuntu 64 bit and a quad q6600 running vista. The quad q6600 does over 3 times the results as the amd 64 I am seriously considering buying a new q6600 motherboard for it as I believe it will more than double its number of results without doubling the amount of electricity it consumes.
  • ibusinesstalk, on 09/11/2008, -0/+0It is not too bad..but like many of you said, get it from Newegg, $249 shipped...if you like to build it yourself. Download PCLnuxOS or other linux distribution, you got yourself under $250 PC with DVD burner..
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