[SATLUG] Walmart Selling Linux PCs

[John Pappas]

On 11/8/07, Victor <victor.trevino at gmail.com> wrote:
> What a piece of trash. I don't know why anyone would buy a PC from Wal-Mart.

As with all things, you get what you pay for.  No matter where you buy it.

> Do they even tell people "It doesn't run Windows and you need to buy
> this one if you want to use your Windows software." or do they just
> sell them off without saying a thing?

It can run windows, just not vista ultimate.  Maybe not screaming
fast, but it will run.

> Why couldn't they load a more popular and supported distribution like
> Ubuntu or Fedora on that product?

gOS is Ubuntu 7.10 under the covers.  Just "Tweaked" with Enlightenment WM.

> Only Wal-Mart can screw up like this. That thing won't sell and it'll
> be a flop when you have dozens of customers take that thing back to
> the store after they couldn't install Windows software or play their
> MP3s without installing a thousand additional packages. None of these
> distributions get it right because of fears of patent infringement.

I would argue that more companies have made larger screwups, but it is
a <200 PC.  You can't even get a copy of windows (excepting
non-OEM/VAR, Academinc, or Pirated) for less than that.  Besides, gOS
reports that their WalBox ships with DVD playing capability, so I
imagine that MP3 is not a problem either.  Granted, iTunes is not
supported, so I imagine that will be a source of a number of calls.

Thanks,
John