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Posts with tag everex

Everex Launches Sub-$500, MySpace-Ready MyMiniPC

by Thomas Houston , posted Apr 7th 2008 at 5:01PM



Everex just launched its new sub-$500 mini desktop PC, the MyMiniPC. The computer runs an operating system called gOS, a version of Ubuntu Linux with glossy styling and interface elements similar to Apple's OS X.

The MyMiniPC is built with heavy Web and media use in mind -- Everex is marketing the computer to the millions of users of social networks, specifically MySpace. The MyMiniPC's gOS installation -- essentially a collection of Google-esque application -- comes with a dock loaded with shortcuts to MySpace Apps, popular social Web sites (Facebook, flickr, YouTube) and other sites (TMZ, Pandora, Gmail, last.fm).

With a form factor similar to the Mac Mini, the MyMiniPC comes with a respectable 1.86 gigahertz Pentium T2130, 512 MB RAM, a 120-gigabyte (GB) hard drive, a DVD±RW drive (read and burn DVDs), and loads of media connectivity options including an S-Video port (for outputting video to your TV), a memory card reader (for transferring pictures) and audio in/out ports.

Sure, the MyMiniPC isn't the ideal choice for gamers or heavy video work, but we think it's a promising Linux-based PC for anyone in need of an easy-to-use computer for Web work, browsing and collaboration. The MyMiniPC retails for $499.

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Everex Releases New, Bigger, $399 Laptop

by Tim Stevens, posted Apr 1st 2008 at 6:59AM

Everex Releases New, Bigger, $399 Laptop

Everex was an almost complete unknown in the laptop market until recently, when the company's dirt-cheap Cloudbook appeared on the scene. It's a small, slow, but surprisingly inexpensive machine that has won the hearts of many budget-conscious mobile computer users, especially those who tend to favor Linux, the free operating system that comes installed on the thing. Now, Everex is following up their earlier success with a new model, the larger but equally cheap VA1500V.

No, it doesn't quite have the same ring as "Cloudbook," but it also features far fewer compromises made in the name of the other's tiny form-factor. The VA1500V packs a 15.4-inch screen, more than twice that of its little 7-inch predecessor. It's CPU is about 20% faster (1.5 gigahertz vs. 1.2), and it offers 60-gigabytes of storage space vs. the 30 in its littler brother. So, it's bigger and faster than the Cloudbook, but still retails for just $399.

The catch? Well, like the Cloudbook, you get a custom operating system based on Linux which may or may not run many of your applications. There are plenty of alternative (and mostly free) Linux apps out there for things like word processing and spreadsheet calculations, but if you tend to like your familiar Windows interface, this may not be for you.

From Engadget and NewEgg

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Wal-Mart's "Green" $199 PC Gets De-Shelved

by Tim Stevens, posted Mar 11th 2008 at 4:16PM

Wal-Mart's

Last year Wal-Mart tried a little "experiment," selling a low-spec desktop computer for the bargain basement price of just $199. The company thought the price would be enough for customers to overlook the dearth of features and performance, and it apparently was enough for the 600-store allotment made to stores to sell out. However, despite this modest success, the company has decided to stop stocking the boxes in stores.

The gPC from Everex (makers of the similarly cheap Cloudbook laptop) was so cheap partly because it did not ship with a copy of Microsoft's Windows operating system, instead relying on the free Linux OS. This made the machines somewhat unfamiliar to novice computer users, most of whom are familiar with Windows or Apple's Mac OS.

Still, if you don't mind Linux and you're in the market for a bargain desktop, you can still get the supposedly improved gPC2 via the Wal-Mart Web site, still for just $199. However, since the specs of this model are exactly the same of the former gPC, we're not sure why the "2" here is warranted.

From Engadget and AOL Money & Finance

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Wal-Mart Gets $200 "Green" PC

by Tim Stevens, posted Nov 1st 2007 at 7:17PM

Wal-Mart Gets $200

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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Wal-Mart Sells $300 Earth-Friendly PC

by Terrence O'Brien, posted Jul 19th 2007 at 1:06PM

Wal-Mart's Green Minded $300 PC
Wal-Mart is prepping for the back-to-school season with the Everex IMPACT GC3502 PC, a $298 PC running Vista Home Basic. Now don't get too excited as this computer comes without a monitor and is woefully underpowered for all but the most basic computing tasks. If you just want to read a few web sites, send some email, and maybe do a little word processing, the Everex might not be a bad choice, especially if you just so happen to be a cash strapped college student.

The cheapest PC available through the mega retailer keeps costs down by eschewing the more popular Intel or AMD in favor of the energy efficiency focused VIA C7-D running at 1.5 Gigahertz. And just in case that doesn't mean anything to you, the C7-D is the world's first carbon-neutral processor. Emissions-reducing practices are used during production, and extreme power saving features keep power requirements low during actual usage. Any carbon emissions are offset by VIA's involvement in regional reforestation and alternative energy projects. Another cost saving replacement is the use of Open Office instead of Microsoft's productivity offering. Open Office certainly isn't a Microsoft Office killer, but for word processing and the occasional spread sheet it's hard to go wrong.

Otherwise, this is a fairly complete and standard package for a budget PC. A 80 Gigabyte hard drive, a DVD burner, 1 Gigabyte of RAM, on board audio and video. And of course keyboard, mouse, and speakers.

The low price is made even more impressive considering the absence of "crapware," "bloatware," or "craplets." Whatever you want to call them, these pieces of promotional and trial software are how many manufacturers keep PC costs down by selling "ad space" on your computer's desktop. Recently, however, users have been revolting against the practice. Dell has begun offering de-crapified PCs, and now Everex has proven that computers can still be cheap with out it.

From BetaNews

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