Everex's low-cost Ubuntu Linux gPC hits Wal-Mart

Computer maker Everex Systems Wednesday rolled out the Everex Green gPC TC2502, its latest, low-power PC that features Ubuntu Linux-based open-source productivity software and Google-based Web 2.0 applications, and costs a mere 198 US Dollars.

The Everex Green gPC TC2502system comes embedded with a 1.5GHz Via C7-D processor, VIA UniChrome Pro IGP graphics core, and includes 512MB of DDR2 system memory, an 80GB hard drive, a DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drive, and has built-in 10/100 Mbps Ethernet.

The system, which goes on sale today (Nov.1) at 600 Wal-mart stores, includes a keyboard, mouse and stereo speakers, and not the monitor, meaning the buyer would have to purchase a monitor separately.

The new cheaper system runs on the gOS operating system that includes open source desktop applications. The gOS software suit features a simple and intuitive Linux Enlightenment E17 desktop interface with a Google-centric theme. This user interface includes icons pointing to popular Google applications such as Documents and Spreadsheets, Calendar, News, and Maps.

The system comes pre-installed with some popular Web applications like Mozilla Foxfire, gMail, Meebo, Skype, Google Documents & Spreadsheets, Google Calendar, Google News, Google Maps, GIMP, Blogger, the Xing Movie Player, and OpenOffice.org 2.2.

The OpenOffice.org 2.2 software suit enables users to create word processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics, databases and more. The system also features six USB 2.0 ports; an RJ45 Ethernet port; an RJ11 port; and a serial and parallel port.

"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.”

"Our goal is to connect people with the information they are looking for as quickly and easily as possible," said a Google spokeswoman. "We're also excited to see that companies like Everex are making information more accessible to more people by building affordable, open-source PCs."

Everex, the manufacturer of desktop and laptop personal computers, has provided the "gPC" a 1-year warranty and a 24-hour help line.

Established in 1983 and headquartered in Fremont, California, Everex Systems Inc. designs and manufactures Pentium-based computer systems, multimedia systems, and related peripheral devices.

The company was acquired in 1993 by Formosa Plastics Group, the $14 billion multinational conglomerate controlled by Taiwan's Wang family.