The world’s first AOL computer? (An MSNBC News headline)

[Weird Harold]

From: http://www.msnbc.com/news/813350.asp?0si=-&cp1=1
Review: $199 Microtel-Lindows PC comes awfully close
The new $199 Microtel SYSMAR 710 is available at Wal-Mart. It comes with everything seen here except the monitor.


REVIEW
By Gary Krakow
MSNBC

Sept. 26 — This computer could turn out to be a very big deal. Not so much because it’s the first under-$200 new PC to hit the marketplace or because it runs a version of Linux which can run some Windows programs — but because the idea had been embraced by the number one online service.

LET’S START AT THE BEGINNING. Wal-Mart.com is now selling a computer made by Microtel which retails for $199.86. As you might expect, the computer is on the bare-bones side. Microtel also uses a new, free version of the Linux OS instead of Microsoft Windows to save money. That’s where the story gets interesting.

The operating system is called Lindows. One of its original marketing ploys was trumpeting that you could run some programs on it that only run on Microsoft Windows — hence the name. As you might imagine, this did not make Microsoft happy. They sued. Lindows no longer touts those qualities, although the capabilities are still built inside. More about that in a minute.

...

I’ve been testing their first effort for the past few weeks. Released a few months ago, it has an 850 MHz AMD Duron processor inside a mini-tower enclosure, 128 MB of memory, a 10 GB hard drive, a 52x CD-ROM reader, floppy drive, modem and Ethernet ports.

...

...Also at that meeting were some people from Via Technologies. They make the new low-cost processor inside the new Wal-Mart/Microtel/Lindows $199 computer.
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Via’s new C3 processor is cool — literally. Not only is it faster than the AMD in the older Lindows, but Via claims that it’s very, very, very energy efficient. Something like 5.7 watts, EnergyStar certified. Therefore it runs cool, allowing for smaller, cheaper, more efficient computer devices. For those interested, the C3 (C stands for Cyrix) offers full x86 OS and software application compatibility, is fully compatible with Socket 370 motherboards and works with 100/133 front side bus and handles 3DNow and MMX technologies. What all that means is if you have a Celeron processor, you could plug in one of these instead with few problems, if any.

So, add to the 800 MHz C3 chip: 128 MB of RAM (expandable to 1 GB), 10 GB hard drive, 52x CD-ROM, 10/100 Ethernet connection (a modem is $30 additional), keyboard, two-button wheel mouse, and a small pair of powered speakers and you get the new $199 Microtel SYSMAR 710.

The new computer is faster than the slightly older, more expensive model. I have not tested either PC with Windows, though; I’m just comparing the speed of both Lindows computers running 2.0. For the record, Wal-Mart is selling the same computer, with the modem board and the latest Windows installed, for $299; the extra cost is the price of a Windows OS license.

...

There's more info in the article for those interested.

From the review, it would appear that this computer is mostly aimed at net surfers and e-mail. Would that fill your need for a computer, or do you use yours for more than web-surfing?

Will the backing of Wal-Mart and AOL be enough for this setup to challenge MS for a significant share of the market? Can this be the wedge tht gets more software written to run directly on Linux/Lindows?

One final comment from the article:

.
As for buying the computer? It is worth $199 if you need an extra computer for your high-speed home or office connection. I don’t know if it’s ready to be your primary/only computer: While there are programs available to run DVDs and stream music and the like, none are as well integrated as on the major operating systems. But as Lindows and its AOL software mature it might be a contender. Especially with the option for running Windows programs like Microsoft Office. The $199 price tag may also be perfect for those curious folks who want to try Linux — but not on their current computer

(BTW, the $199 does NOT include a monitor, but if you've got an old monitor sitting around, this might be a very attractive deal.)

 

[Azwed]

Hmh could be good for a web only computer but since I use my computer for so many high end applications that run over the net it would not be practical for me.

 

[Velius]

I doubt that computer could stand up to half a day of what I do with applications. I usually run enough applications to slow down a fairly high end machine. And there is no way that thing would be able to run 3D rendering programs.

 

[Silverlily]

Wouldn't survive five minutes in my house either, not even as an extra.

 

[Weird Harold]

I doubt that computer could stand up to half a day of what I do with applications. I usually run enough applications to slow down a fairly high end machine. And there is no way that thing would be able to run 3D rendering programs.

I don't think it's being marketed as a "power user's" delight. I think it's being marketed to the same people AOL features in their "Ma! Pah shot the internet again!" commercials.

It's intended more as a "dumb terminal" for AOL broadband. (note that the modem is extra but ethernet capability is standard.) I think it's probbly going to be marketed as a "Kid's computer" so the kids don't have to keep Mom and Dad from their evening dose of Porn to do their homework.

 

[Weird Harold]

Wouldn't survive five minutes in my house either, not even as an extra.

What exactly do you use regularly that this computer couldn't handle?

If you read the whole article, you'll find it can run MS Office 2000 (although with some rough spots) and I'd guess that almost anything that will run on windows 95/98 will run with the WINE Windows emulator.

Actually, it's a faster, more capable computer than my pentium II 450Mhz machine running Windows 98SE. Since I don't have MMX capability on my machine.

 

[Silverlily]

High resolution, multi-player computer games.


(What else are these things good for??)

It also sounds like these computers are really intended to be used with AOL. We don't use AOL, I don't even let the kids use it. If they're online, they're going to use real addresses, not keywords.

 

[Weird Harold]

High resolution, multi-player computer games.
...
It also sounds like these computers are really intended to be used with AOL. We don't use AOL, I don't even let the kids use it. If they're online, they're going to use real addresses, not keywords.

I think if you spent the extra $100 for the Win XP version it could handle high-resolution multi-player games -- maybe not quite as well as a GHz+ Pentium IV and it might need more than the base 128 Mb of RAM -- it's upgradeable to 1Gb of RAM and RAM isn't all that expensive.

Since AOL is backing the Linux configuration and has plans in the works for an "AOL Operating system" it's definitely marketed to a typical AOL user. However, it's basically a semi-dumb network terminal with it's own harddrive. It would work just fine with any ISP that allows Netscape to function. (IE apparently doesn't like Linux/Lindows and has some problems -- which wouldn't be a factor in the Win XP version.)

 

[Silverlily]

I think if you spent the extra $100 for the Win XP version it could handle high-resolution multi-player games -- maybe not quite as well as a GHz+ Pentium IV and it might need more than the base 128 Mb of RAM -- it's upgradeable to 1Gb of RAM and RAM isn't all that expensive.

That's the kicker, quite as well is not good enough. And I am the only one in my family that uses Netscape, everyone else prefers Explorer.

 

[Weird Harold]

That's the kicker, quite as well is not good enough. And I am the only one in my family that uses Netscape, everyone else prefers Explorer.

Depending on what they have as a video card, I'd be surprised if most people could tell the diferrence between 800Mhz and 1 GHz

If you're the only Netscape user, then this would be the ideal way to have a computer that you don't have to share.

 

[Silverlily]

Are you getting commision?


1. I already don't share.

2. I can tell the difference.

3. I hate Wal-Mart and would spend the rest of my life Netless rather than buy something from them.


But I do see your point. This would be perfect for someone like my father. The computer he has now actualy is too much for him.

 

[Weird Harold]

Are you getting commision?
...
But I do see your point. This would be perfect for someone like my father. The computer he has now actualy is too much for him.

Nope, no commission. I'm just "arguing" with you so I don't have to keep typing "bump" to keep this thread active.

I'm seriously thinking about getting one for my younger daughter -- I have a monitor that should work with it, but I was hoping to attract a few of the linux fans' comments.

 

[Velius]

I like Lindows, but it's really just Linux with WINE. I wouldn't buy one of those comps...unless it was for someone who wasn't going to use it much at all.

 

[Weird Harold]

I like Lindows, but it's really just Linux with WINE. I wouldn't buy one of those comps...unless it was for someone who wasn't going to use it much at all.

Is it just the Linux/Lindows version you wouldn't buy, or is there something about the hardware you don't like?

 

[MechaBlade]

I'm glad this has been released. I've been looking for something to wipe my ass with.

Seriously, cheap computers = good.

 

[Velius]

Is it just the Linux/Lindows version you wouldn't buy, or is there something about the hardware you don't like?

Its really the combo. I could download Lindows in like...2 hours or so, and the hardware is all funky. I just don't like it heh.

 

[Draco]

A good wee machine for the average user. Good price and not a bad spec-sheet. Lindows would be easy to learn (Linux was..LOL) and for most people, this machine would be ideal. 80% of all PC users only use theirs for email, surfing and the odd low end game. Not everybody wants to run Photoshop, 3D StudioMax and Bryce all at the same time as playing Everquest, Unreal Tournament and Quake 3.

Once a gain, the knockers roll out of the wood-work.
"it's no good fro me " they say...simple answer there...dont fucking buy one....

If its not your cup of tea...pass it by...dont slam it..for many on a budget, this kinda system puts them were they want to be..."online and emailing"...


I'd buy one...and I'm fairly discerning when it comes to hardware...it would keep my kids off the Thunderbird....LOL

And to the poster who says they can tell the diff between 850mhz and 1000mhz...uh-huh, yup, sure, right on.

Only by benchmarking can you tell, seat of the pants dont cut it.....
I have several machines here ...ranging from 1000mhz~ 2000mhz, and they all do the same thing, at pretty much the same speed. Windows runs the same on them all, cant tell which one is which without looking at the case badges.

(and PS~ I build these things for a living...have been for 7 (count em) 7 years....) so i think by now, I know what I'm talking about.

Draco
A+/Net+ Technician
Head Tech/Sales and Service/K C Computers & Laptops

 

[Velius]

That may be true. I was just saying it wouldn't hold up under the programs I run. *Shrugs* It looks decent for the average email/browser type of person.

 

[Soblue]

Good morning

I heard about this a few months ago. Sounds pretty cool for getting computers into homes where people can't afford $700 or more for a PC.

Do you know if you can remove the OS and put your own copy of Windows on it?

 

[Mad_Jack_Rabbit]

This thing sounds ideal for my kids. Enough power to run their games, internet connection etc.

I used to use my machine for more than I do now. Dumped the programming (no apptitude or patience). Dumped the gaming (connection too slow for net play, takes up more of my writing time). All I use my machine for now is internet and WP.

Probably would be okay for me too.

 

[lovetoread]

Do you know if you can remove the OS and put your own copy of Windows on it?

If it has a hard drive like a real computer and it is really not an internet appliance,then yes you should be able to format the drive and put what you want on it.

 

[Soblue]

Thanks ltr That's what I was thinking.

 

[RhumbRunner13]

So, in concept, the Coco and the Commador 64 return!

They will probably fill into an entry level user and eventually creat a new demand in higher end computers. It's not so much that they won't do everything that a user might want to do either. It's just human nature, once you own the plain vanilla model, you lust for the "Turbocharged, power window, reclining seat model"!

Rhumb

 

[BigDawg69]

OK so considering I built my current box for just under $300 let's compare:

You've given the specs on the Wally World thing. My box is:

AMD XP1500+
256mb DDR RAM (expandable to 4gig)
20gig HD (7200 RPM)
CDRW
32mb RAM GeForce 3 graphics
Windows XP Corporate Ed.

Now admittedly not everyone has the ability, knowledge or even time to build their own computer and I would not build or recommend this box for every user. But for my Mom (who I imagine is the exact user this Lindows is marketed toward as she is almost strictly internet only user) I would still choose to build one for her. Why scrimp a $100 or a little more and loose all the capabilities of a P IV or AMD box? With the full support of Winows? I hate the MS creeps as much as anybody, but damn.

 

[lovetoread]

OK so considering I built my current box for just under $300 let's compare:

You've given the specs on the Wally World thing. My box is:

AMD XP1500+
256mb DDR RAM (expandable to 4gig)
20gig HD (7200 RPM)
CDRW
32mb RAM GeForce 3 graphics
Windows XP Corporate Ed.

I was with you on the building part,till you mentioned XP,I much prefer 2000.

I think the prebuilt one would give the cheapness needed for casual surfers plus the fact that someone - somewhere mans a help desk that can help you if your puter freaks up.

Building your own is good,I do it myself,but it is a pain if you dont know what you are doing.

I dont see the average internet user wanting to figure out why that driver doesnt work, or any of the other pain in the ass things that happens when you do it on your own.