$199 Computer Arrives at Wal-Mart

It's November, folks. Time to find the best deals online and off before the holiday shopping rush. Chris Null already let you in on the $99 HD DVD player sale over at Best Buy and Wal-Mart, and the AP is reporting Wal-Mart will start selling a $199 Linux computer. The desktop computer they're talking about is called the "Green gPC" made by Everex of Taiwan running on the Linux operating system. A comparable Everex PC is available with Windows Vista Home Basic, but it'll cost you $99 more. Apparently, both computers come with a keyboard, mouse, speakers, and no monitor. They'll be available at 630 select Wal-Mart stores at launch.

On the downside, the cheaper Linux version is for advanced users who understand how the operating system works and know how to upgrade the computer. It uses 1.5GHz Via C7-D processor, houses an 80GB hard drive, 512MB of RAM, and a DVD burner, and it's loaded with Google's online applications and Open Office. It won't support Windows Vista or even run video games like World of Warcraft right out of the box, unless it's upgraded.

Another computer on everyone's radar is the Asus Eee PC selling for $400. Reviews have been circulating throughout the blogosphere, and Engadget has a nice round-up of what everyone's saying about. It seems the overall consensus on this tiny computer is the keyboard is a little cramped, it's not very powerful, it's a great second laptop, and the price is definitely right. The two-pound Linux computer is already available online in blue, pink, white, and black for $399.

Wal-Mart sells $199 Linux computer