New Linux PC costs less than a single Windows Vista license
While Linux focuses on improving stability and efficiency, Windows Vista continues to charge a premium for its good looks and doll-like charm. Mirus has built a PC with Linux installed that costs less than a single license of Windows Vista.
Specifically this Mirus PC will run Freespire, a version of Linux developed by Linspire Inc. (formerly Lindows). Larry Kettler, CEO of Linspire says “our system builders have been forging new ground in the low-end Linux PC market for over 5 years now . . . This latest system from Mirus Innovations is the most robust hardware and software configuration, and offers the best value for under $200 to date,” according to the company’s press release.
Compare that $200 investment to the three tiers of Windows Vista available and it becomes clear why Microsoft has so much disposable income.
These are the latest prices from Amazon.com for Windows Vista in the box:
- Windows Vista Home Basic – $161.99
- Windows Vista Home Premium – $218.99
- Windows Vista Ultimate – $329.99
Granted, those are prices for new licenses of Windows Vista (as opposed to upgrade pricing), but the $200 PC comes with a new license of Linux, and it includes the hardware! Two of the three Windows Vista tiers cost more. Note the $200 Mirus PC includes a $100 deduction for a mail-in rebate.
Specs for the Mirus PC:
- Intel Celeron 420 1.6GHz processor
- 1GB Memory
- 80GB Hard Drive
- Card Reader
- Modem
- CDRW
- Keyboard, Speakers, and Mouse
- Freespire 2.0
- CNR Basic Service – providing one-click access to free and commercial Linux software
Wondering if Freespire will provide features you’re accustomed to? Linspire writes “the Mirus $199 PC provides improved out-of-the-box file type and multimedia support, such as MP3, Windows Media, Real Networks, Java, Flash, ATI, nVidia, WiFi, and many more. Freespire 2.0 also adds legally licensed proprietary drivers, codecs, and applications in its core distribution, to provide a better overall user experience. Freespire is a community-influenced, Ubuntu-based Linux distribution that is designed to be powerful enough for sophisticated Linux users and developers, yet easy enough for someone new to Linux.”
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January 17th, 2008
having used windows vista for 3 months, it’s easy to see why microsoft are having so much problem selling the new os to consumers. in almost all respects it’s the same as windows xp. I had hoped for greatly increased compatability and reliability, on both counts, it’s a firm no. vista is more like a service pack and a mediocre one at that. having used sabayon and ubuntu linux for 5 months, I can say I finally found what I was looking for. easy installation, stability, solid security, speed and bags of eye candy! I have also installed Sabayon on my brother and mums pc’s. both of which are delighted. I’d like to recommend other people who are fed up of windows to at least try one of the many FREE linux distributions available. they will be pleasently suprised. $200 for a pc is a bargin.
January 17th, 2008
Finally we are heading into the post Windows era.
My ditching of Windows and all Windows related work cost me financially, but I was into computing for the love of it not the money anyway.
What will happen is all the Windows “geeks” will defend their comfort zone like hell now, as their jobs slip away.
Enjoy ;-)
January 18th, 2008
We’re a long way from post Windows. Look how long AOL hung in there, “saving” the users from the scary internet proper. I hear how Linux is so complicated from people who have just drilled down 5 levels deep to tweak a registry setting a malware program absconded, and can’t see the idiocy of the statement. What they really mean is it’s not Windows.
http://linux.oneandoneis2.org/LNW.htm
January 20th, 2008
meh its okay i’d rather us vista cuz of better gaming thou. linux can suck me pee pee.;
February 13th, 2008
ITS NOT just Windows Vista in the box prices.
OEM computers prices come down every year.
And why they wouldnt…
Every computer component have fall in price.
HDD, memory, optical media,etc all have lowest price than years ago, while keep upgrading in capacity.
Even chips and MB cost less, not by much thx to other monopoly by intel.
Why the only component that OEM computers (dell, hp, acer, etc) that instead of cost less, cost more is the SO, windows?
In human history every technology always get cheaper and better, cell phones, LCD, microwave, paper, telephony, CD, DVD, mp3 player, cameras, GPS, videogames, etc.
But windows… thats insane
February 27th, 2008
At the dawn of computers the MS DOS software cost $10 and the machine cost $5000.
Now the machine costs $200 to $500 and can do remarkable things. Why the cost drop? The free market.
But the OS costs $200 plus. Why the cost increase? Monopolization.
I’ve always said MS is a remarkable marketing company, but as a software company? Not so much.