| Everex Releases gPC Mini |
Mar. 04, 2008
Late last year, Everex, a mid-tier PC vendor, made a big splash with its inexpensive gOS Linux-powered Green gPC TC2502. Now, Everex is following that popular mini-tower PC with a Mac-mini format computer: the gPC mini.
Like Everex's gPC TC2502, the gPC mini uses the Ubuntu 7.10-based gOS operating system. The gPC mini uses the newest version of gOS: Rocket gOS 2.0.
This desktop Linux's claim to fame is that it uses the lightweight Enlightenment E17 interface instead of the far more common KDE and GNOME desktops. On top of that it includes Web-browser icons that encourage users to use a wide variety of Google Apps. While neither Everex nor gOS has any formal relationship with Google, Everex's g series of computers and gOS are designed to work hand-in-glove with Google's online applications.
Don't think, however, that the gPC mini must be on the Internet to be useful. It doesn't. While many of its applications, such as Firefox and Skype, will only work with an Internet connection, others work offline. For example, for graphics, the PC comes with GIMP for graphics work and OpenOffice.org 2.3 for day-to-day office work.
The gPC mini is also a step up from the gPC TC2502 with its hardware. Instead of the TC2502's single core 1.5GHz, VIA C7-D processor, the gPC mini uses a far faster 1.86GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core Mobile Processor T2130.
The new mini also includes a 120GB Hard Drive, a DVD+/-RW optical drive and 512MBs of DDR2 667MHz SDRAM. The system can be upgraded to 2GBs of RAM. For graphics, it uses an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator, the GMA950, and for audio it includes the Realtek ALC268 High-Definition Audio chip set.
Everex also managed to pack in the mini's small frame a 10/100/1000 Ethernet port; a DVI-I and S-Video graphic port; an IEEE 1394, Firewire, port; three USB 2.0 ports, a 4-in-1 (Secure Digital, Multi Media Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO) Media Card Reader; a Headphone/Line-Out port; and two Microphone/Line-In ports. The system measures a mere 1.65" (42mm) x 8.90" (226mm) x 6.77" (172mm) (H x W x D). If you have room for a hardback book, you have room for the gPC mini.
The mini has a list price for $499. It does no come with any accessories such as a keyboard or mouse. The gPC mini does, however, come with a one-year limited warranty and toll-free, 24/7 technical support. Everex will be selling the product through its retailer and reseller partners.
At the moment, none of its partners are listing the gPC mini as being in stock. This should change shortly according to company representatives. Everex is also actively looking for more channel partners.
—Steven J. Vaughan Nichols
Do you have comments on this story?
Talkback here
NOTE: Please post your comments regarding our articles using the above link. Be sure to use this article's title as the "Subject" in your posts. Before you create a new thread, please check to see if a discussion thread is already running on the article you plan to comment on. Thanks!
Related Stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
