It has long been rumored that Google has wanted to get into the personal computer operating
system business. Based on Google’s recent moves I doubt they want to go that far but instead have chosen to provide application support to those that want to build low-cost computers based on open source software.
Wal-Mart is now featuring a low-cost PC that is based on Linux with a nice mix of Google-hosted applications and built-in open source software. This isn’t a “Black Friday” dash for a low-price computer. It is what appears to be an everyday item in the electronics department in many Wal-Mart stores. The Everex gPC is a low-power $198 computer with a nice mix of applications.
The applications pre-installed or linked to include Skype, Wikipedia, Google Docs, Gmail, Facebook, Google Maps, and Gimp. That is a package that will allow most people to take care of all of their needs. The obstacles that will cause problems for some users is difficulty in finding a printer or scanner that will work with the Linux Ubuntu operating system.
Not all Wal-Marts currently carry this low-priced computer, but many do have them in stock. My father recently saw one at the Deland, FL Wal-Mart store. Here is a list of stores that carry the gPC. One last feature that many will like is that this computer includes 24/7 toll-free phone tech support.