Wal-Mart Gets $200 "Green" PC
Of all the retailers out there, Wal-Mart probably wouldn't rate high on environmentalists' lists of green retailers. But,that's where you're going to have to go if you want to get your hands on a new self-titled "green" PC that will cost just $199.
The Everex TC2502 gPC is a low-powered and limited-spec desktop computer that runs a version of Linux called Ubuntu rather than the much more popular Windows or Mac operating system. Ubuntu is a free operating system that looks and feels much like the competition, but doesn't offer the compatibility that even a Macintosh can offer to the ubiquitous Windows PC.
Linux has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years, finding itself installed in all sorts of devices. And, there are software applications out there for the operating system that will do everything you can do on a PC, including opening and reading files from most of the applications in Microsoft's Office suite. However, Office itself is not available, nor are most games. But given the seriously lightweight nature of the specs for this machine, you'd be hard-pressed to get any modern games to run anyway.
Those lightweight specs lead to reduced power consumption -- hence the "g" in the gPC name -- which is obviously aimed at the eco-mindful consumer.
As Engadget points out, however, this computer is rather wasteful in other regards. Internally, the system uses miniaturized components to help reduce power consumption and cost, but ironically the manufacturer throws them all into a big, plastic, non-biodegradeable full-sized case. Apparently this is due to Wal-Mart research that indicates its customers consider a larger PC to be a more powerful one, a notion that will make smart shoppers everywhere shake their heads.
From Wired and Engadget
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
thomas @ Nov 1st 2007 8:48PM
GOOD GRIEF WALLY WORLD!
This is a great idea put into a giant plastic box that is unnecessarily huge. It could be in an apple-mini sized box one would think.
EDWARDS 08 to bring hope back to the working class (like myself)
GOD BLESS...
Sandra @ Nov 1st 2007 10:38PM
Why in the world, even at $199,would you want to purchase this computer when almost nothing is compatible? Just to say that you have a "green" computer? WalMart certainly needs an image overhaul(I will never set foot in one unless accompanying a friend and at that, will never purchase anything from that store or Sam's Club -watch "WalMart: The High Cost of Low Prices") but to offer something that right now, is pretty useless, is pretty useless.
Greg @ Nov 2nd 2007 7:30AM
Linux is a fantastic operating system. It is considerably faster than Windows and easier and faster to install. I have Linux on my laptop and am planning on switching over to it on my desktop. The large box seems stupid. There are desktop computers on the market now that are as small as a notebook but are extremely powerful for around $550. One customer bought 2 and now everybody in the place wants one because they are so small and really cool. Big mistake Walmart!
Joe @ Nov 14th 2007 5:26PM
Sandra, the computer isn't intended to those who want an every-day computer for gaming, music, and the like. This is intended more at people who only want a low-end maching for e-mail and internet, and document work, but many other more advanced techies can figure out how to run Windows and Mac programs with what is known as a "compatability layer". To the super-advanced techie who wants to get the best bang for their buck, thic computer is a goldmine.
Arvig @ Jan 22nd 2008 9:22AM
To be honest, I think people are missing the obvious here on why they used this computer case. Cost. I don't know Everex' product line (remember, Wal-Mart isn't building this PC, they are ordering it in, albeit possibly to their custom order), but I bet Everex uses this computer case for a large number of their computer products. That, or it's one they can get in cheap since they use a different model from the same manufacturer. Either way, although yes there are plenty of small form factor cases, I bet this was the cheapest one they could get and still keep under a certain price to build, and thus a certain price to sell.
As for not being "green"...guys, this actually isn't that large of a case at all. A small form factor case would be shorter, but wider. It would take up less volume, but not by all THAT much. It's not like Everex is putting this PC inside of a server tower built to hold a 8 hard drives and 6 optical drives or some such.
Jlp @ Mar 12th 2008 12:14AM
Just throw a copy of Windows XP on here and you're good to go. This PC more than meets the requirements (1.5 ghz) for most users. I don't think brand name matters at this price either, seems like a good buy.