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.”
Is it just me or is this ridiculous? Microsoft is stealing from you. This will definitely help increase linux market share. Death to Vista.
Interests: Government, Sports, Accounting, Computers and Business
