MESSAGE
| DATE | 2005-09-03 |
| FROM | Ruben Safir
|
| SUBJECT | Subject: [NYLXS - HANGOUT] $300 Linux Computers
|
Review: $300 PC Running Linux Makes A Good Starter System
The Systemax hardware running the Linspire operating system will be a
yawner for Linux veterans, but it's a good deal for bargain-seakers and
newbies.
By Ron Miller, Linux Pipeline
Sept. 2, 2005
URL:
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=170700330
A new, built-to-order PC with a pre-installed Linux distro may not sound
like much fun to a hard-core, do-it-yourself Linux geek. But if you want
a quick, easy, inexpensive way to get started with Linux, Systemax and
Linspire have just the ticket.
I recently took a hands-on look at the the companies' then-current
offering: the Systemax Venture L335 Linspire PC. The system, which is
available from Systemax subsidiary Tiger Direct carries a list price of
$299.99, plus shipping and handling, in its basic configuration (see
box). The system I ordered for review included some significant upgrades
(see box), giving me a solid all-purpose PC for around $500, not
including shipping charges.
Can Linspire and Systemax live up to their goal of delivering a system
that won't make new Linux users wish they had paid their Windows tax? I
think so, although there's still some room for improvement.
Configuring Your Dream Machine
My experience started just like any other buyer: with a visit to the
Tiger Direct Web site, one of two Systemax subsidiaries that sells the
L335. Once you're there, you can buy a pre-configured system or choose
from a set of optional hardware upgrades.
As you configure your system, a running total keeps track of just how
much each of your changes adds to the final price. Some options, such as
upgrading the 40GB disk to 160GB for $50, were reasonably priced;
others, such as 256MB of extra RAM for the same price, seemed quite
expensive compared to buying extra memory elsewhere and installing it
yourself. The PC comes with audio, graphics, and 10/100MB networking
integrated into the motherboard, so you cannot alter these items (the
system has both an AGP slot and extra PCI slots if you decide to upgrade
the video and audio or want to add an internal Wi-Fi adapter).
Once you have the system you want, the checkout process is clear and
simple. After selecting a shipping method, the system tallies a final
total; payment requires a major credit card or PayPal. Our review
system, shipped via UPS ground, arrived within a week.
Whatÿs In The Box
Our shipment included a single box containing the CPU, PS/2 keyboard and
scroll mouse, and a power cord. It also included a CD-ROM with
diagnostic software, a quick-start pamphlet, and a thin manual on basic
PC operations.
The system provided a complete copy of its Linspire Five-0 operating
system on CD-ROM -- something that rarely happens with pre-installed
Windows PCs. Like most PCs sold these days, however, most of the useful
documentation is in electronic form, not in a printed manual. Product
Summary
Systemax Venture L335 Linspire Desktop PC
Base Configuration:
2.8 GHz Intel Celeron-D Processor
256 MB RAM
40 GB HDD
52X CD-ROM Drive
Linspire Five-0
4 USB 2.0 ports (2 front, 2 back)
Integrated AGP graphics
1 8x AGP, 3 PCI slots
Price: Approx. $300
Review Configuration:
512 MB RAM
160 GB Hard Drive
DVD-RW Dual Layer
Price: Approx. $500
Tiger Direct
www.tigerdirect.com
Linspire
www.linspire.com
Systemax covers its systems under a two year basic warranty, including
one year of onsite service -- a very generous plan compared to some
major direct-sale PC makers whose warranties are as short as 90 days.
When I tried to find the customer support phone number, however, I could
not find it anywhere in the bare-bones printed documentation. Although I
finally found the number buried in the small print of the warranty card,
Systemax should print it in a more obvious spot; anyone who needs help
is unlikely to appreciate being forced to hunt for it.
Whatÿs In The PC
The PC consists of mini-tower case with a 250W power supply that should
get the job done, assuming very few users who buy this system will
burden it with a power-hungry video card or multiple internal storage
devices. The front panel of the case includes two 5.25 inch bays,
including one holding the CDRW drive I selected; along with a 3.5 inch
floppy disk drive (still essential hardware for recovering after system
crashes). A second, 3.5 inch bay is suitable for use either with
removable storage, such as a Zip drive, or with a second hard disk (our
pre-installed, 160GB IDE drive is mounted in another, internal bay).
Opening the case to look inside was much harder than it needs to be. I
required a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove two screws securing the
case and then had to give it a couple of good bangs to pop it open. A
tool-free case, with thumbscrews, an easy to remove cover, and some
markings to tell users which side to open, would be far more convenient
and cost little or nothing to add.
Once I got the case open, I found the system well laid out; it was
especially easy to access the memory slots, one of the most common
do-it-yourself PC upgrades. There are also a total of four open AGP and
PCI slots, giving users more room to expand than most PCs at this price
level.
Start It Up
To test the Systemax/Linspire system, I commandeered a run-of-the-mill
CRT monitor and keyboard from an existing Windows-based PC. The system
booted and loaded its BIOS fine, but when Linspire opened, all I saw was
static.
Systemax handles its own tech support, and I found them prompt and
courteous, if not entirely accurate. After dialing the number and moving
quickly through a phone menu with just two options, the technician came
on the line, gathered some information, and quickly offered a possible
solution: the memory modules might have been disturbed during shipping.
He asked me to open the case and reseat the modules -- something I had
no problem doing, although a less experienced user might have felt
intimidated even before they tackled the job of opening the case.
Nor was any of that necessary: a simple troubleshooting exercise showed
that the memory wasn't the problem. When we connected the machine to a
newer NEC flat-panel monitor, the video problem went away. Linspire
apparently lacked the correct drivers to support the older CRT monitor.
To avoid similar problems, we suggest checking in advance with Tiger
Direct or Systemax if you plan to use an older display with your system.
Incidentally, the only part of the Systemax support call I disliked was
the company's request for my computer's serial number, located on the
back of the machine. Even though I was required to enter the number at
the start of the call, I was still asked to repeat it again to the
technician. Why force callers to give it twice?
Taking Linspire for a Spin
If you are new to Linux, Linspire Five-O is a great way to get started.
It includes all the tools you need to perform just about any type of
computer work, including thee OpenOffice software suite, a Mozilla Web
browser and email client, an IM client, the NVU open-source Web
development tool, and the LSong music player. Users can also access CNR:
Linspire's open-source library, including hundreds of Linux programs
that provide alternatives to just about any Windows application you're
likely to need.
On the minus side, when I first booted the computer, the startup process
was extremely slow, even compared to Windows' typical snails-pace
startup. After viewing the Linspire splash screen and enduring another
long wait for the system services to start, the Linspire desktop finally
loaded for the first time.
Most users accustomed to Microsoft Windows will have little trouble
navigating the Linspire desktop. There is a familiar look and feel; with
some hunting and pecking, you should be able to find everything you
need. Nevertheless, to their credit, the folks at Linspire have also
included a series of detailed Flash tutorials on different features of
the operating system, such as networking and setting up an email
account.
Linspire's hardware support was also trouble-free: Aside from the
monitor problem, my other peripherals worked without a hitch, and I set
up Internet access by simply plugging an Ethernet cable from my cable
modem into the system's network port. An extra keyboard, USB scroll
mouse and external speakers also worked fine. The system's graphics
quality was average; since it does include an open AGP slot, you may
want to install an upgraded video card, especially if you work with
graphics or intend to play games.
As I mentioned before, when you purchase the system, you also get access
to CNR, Linspireÿs online software store. For a yearly subscription, you
get easy access to a host of new software and automatic updates to your
existing software. It's a safe, extremely easy way to find, install, and
update, and software, making it a great deal for non-technical users.
Much (if not all) of the software is also available for free elsewhere,
however, so more experienced users can probably save themselves the
money with a do-it-yourself approach.
On the whole, Systemax and Linspire have put together a reasonable
system for a decent price. Just keep realistic expectations: You can't
expect top-notch components, such as high-end video hardware, in a
machine at this price level. What you will get is a serviceable machine
and user-friendly Linux and open-source software, all at a price that
puts Linux within reach of just about anyone who wants a PC. Old hands
might get annoyed and frustrated, but Linspire Five-0 is a great
starting point for folks just getting started with Linux, and it's hard
to go wrong at this price.
|
|
