[NTLUG:Discuss] Computer (FYI)

[Kevin E. Ivey]

terry wrote:
> Did ya see the Fry's flier in Friday's paper?  In particular the $179 
> computer, complete with keyboard, speakers, etc., all but a monitor. 733 
> MHz, 30 gig HD, 128 meg RAM, CD, NIC, 56K modem.  It would make a great 
> office computer, or server.  It comes with Thiz Linux, which is a 
> Chinese Linux distribution.  It's a truly unbeatable price!
> 
> One interesting detail is the processor, it's my first time to hear of a 
> VIA processor.

Howdy,

I bought one of the $199.00 Wal-Mart computers built by Microtel.  It is 
powered by a 800Mhz Via C-3 processor and has similar components as the 
Fry's box.

I overcame my hatred of integrated components because of the good 
quality chips which are embedded (including the CPU) in the mainboard 
and the price made it impossible to pass up.

I have had absolutely no problems with it and only opened the case to 
install a floppy drive and gawk at the innards.  All standard stuff.

After formatting the HDD and wiping Lindows, I set the machine up for 
dual-boot with Win98 and Mandrake 9.0.  It has worked flawlessly since 
and even the 8MB video works great with full-screen streaming TV over 
the cable internet connection.

It is possible to sell a decent system for under $200.00 and my 
walmart.com cheapo is the only prebuilt sytem I have ever owned and I 
love it.

With a 30MB HDD, the Fry's box is indeed a bargain.  Why they decided to 
import Hard drives with Thiz preinstalled is a mystery- must be a cost 
saver...

Hope that helps.  I have always been a fan of Cyrix/Via and this system 
easily fits in with the non-Intel, non-Windoze systems I have in my 
house.  Not at all junk...

keVIn