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A handheld is made to play games. The gap between handheld and laptop is really disappearing with this product: the size of the screen, the different capabilities, etc.

What I'd like to see next is a faster processor and a little more RAM. Oh, and I'm sure we would like to have an OS to mess around with. That would be a great product for Sony to make! Wait, that market would already be covered by Dell or Gateway.

Isn't the point of a handheld to be able to play simple games like Tetris? When you get tired of these, just plug in your laptop for some high powered gaming.

I just don't see it being economically feasible in North America.

Thats what the government is for. When the raw, slimy greed starts to ooze out of capitalism and corrode the "American Way of Life(tm)", the government should step in and get people's and companies' acts cleaned up.

The government should say "Look, we know its going to cost you, and we know you're going to pass the cost onto the consumer, but you better start a recycling program, and stick to it." They've done the same to stop child labor, to enforce minimum wages, to increase air quality, and so on.

Of course, it doesn't work that way since our government sank into the slimepits, but thats another story. Its clear whose side the current government is on, what with the abolishing of overtime and (perceived?) failures in the punishment of enron and microsoft.

On the other hand, I know that several manufacturers have in fact begun recycling programs. Such as Dell, HP/Compaq, and even Gateway which was the hardest to turn up.

The kind cool thing is that these guys stayed up all night, foregoing any sleep at all -- and when dawn came there was still no one else in line. So the effort wasn't just to beat out other fanboys (there being no one to beat out that early), it was also to hold an expectant vigil on the doorstep of thier favourite fruit company. Everyone else who got a good night's sleep and woke up to condemn them is missing the point, big time.

Why would they buy their Mac online with a measly OneClick(tm) when they can have a real-life adventure? Makes sense to me... it's not like they were holed up in a line for a new Gateway Store or Attack of The Clones or something.

Or if you aren't into eMachine computers, Gateway has something similar (M500 w/ 15.2" widescreen) with a P4, 512MB of RAM, 40GB hard drive, DVD/CD-RW and integrated 802.11b/Modem/Ethernet, dunno about FireWire for a little bit more.

Of course, a laptop isn't quite as portable as a PDA nor does it have an instant boot up that a Zaurus or any other PDA has. The C700 (IIRC) clamshell Zaurus is a nice cross between a tiny laptop, a clamshell Jornada/Psion, and the regular Zaurus. Too bad it's even more expensive than the 5600 :(

have thought of doing a mod that merged a LCD and a computer but I was going to slightly enlarge the LCD's case and hide the computer inside such that you'd have an overall MUCH smaller less messy package

Sorry. You'll have to come up with a new idea if you want to be original.

Try looking at gateway's all in one .

At $3100 this 29'' is way overpriced. You'd get a much better deal out of the 42'' Gateway Plasma TV.

Yet for what I've paid for my home automation system using MisterHouse, I can't get anywhere near it with "real" automation software.
My System is made up of the following components...

3 - 10.4" color touch screen displays with audio capability

16 - individual light switches with remote control

3 - video cameras

1 - 600 MHz PIII box running RH7.3

And handles these requirements

Control all devices from touchpads, or 802.11 devices.

View Cameras in near-real time (less than 1/2 sec lag)

Store MP3s on server, and playback via web interface.

Have internal shoutcast for "radio"

Have a ReplayTV server for additional storage

Act as VoiceMail/IVRS/Call Direction

Pull chosen content down for later review (get_strips)

Control PVRs (Stop/Play/etc)

Web Browse from touchpads, to pull movie times, etc...

(IN PROGRESS) Control Stereo equipment (mostly Sony gear)

(IN PROGRESS) Use existing home alarm to get door sensor and motion sensor information.
(IE. If it's night, and the lights are off, and the front door opens, then turn on the front doorway, lower stairs lights, etc...)
(IE #2, if the upstairs alarm panel is armed and it's night, turn off any light we forgot to turn off.)

and more...

What hardware/software I used was the

AOL/Gateway Connected Touchpads for the displays (bought new for $700)

the switches are X-10 "Decora" like switches

the video cameras are X-10 cameras (looking at the driveway, the pool, the dog-run)

the voice mail system is a PCI modem supported by VOCP

the video server is DVArchive

The audio streaming is done with Icecast

I'm still working on the S-Link and Alarm integration, but...

The whole budget for everything was $1,021.16 (I went over budget when I had to replace my modem.)

Dell is dropping the floppy as part of their standard configuration and they seem to be favoring USB flash dongles and CD-RWs. Gateway has started including a 6 in 1 (Sd/MMC, CF, SM, etc) card readers with one of their Laptop Models (The 400L). The new technologies will battle it out for the "Ubiquitous" title. I'm voting for the USB dongle since it seems to be the most univeral.

The point is that the only reason floppies are still around is that so many of us "old folk" are comfortable with them. There is better technology available! You can boot from CD, or even from USB dongles if you need to. (Maybe we could market a l33t h@x0r pw reset USB dongle...)

Let it go.. We let go of the 8-track (most of us any way), we let go of our Commodore 64s, our Apple IIs, the 5.25" Drive. It's time to let go of the venerable 3.5" and make room for new and better solutions.

If there's something that you can do with a floppy that you can't do with SD/MMC, CDR/RW, or a USB dongle, speak up, I'd love to hear it!

"The image quality is just luscious, and if you can forget about the nearly ten thousand dollar (CDN) price tag for a moment, there is virtually no downside to this display."

So, I guess that's around US$6000-7000? How does that compare to Gateway's $3000 42" Plasma screen? It might be better, but is it twice as good? I checked one out briefly at the local cow store and it looked comparable to the plasmas I've been drooling over for years at the local high-end AV place.

• 42" across
• 16:9 aspect ratio
• 160 Degree viewing angle
• 852x480 resolution progressive scan display
• Same Dimensions
• 700:1 contrast ratio [Samsung] vs. 600:1 Contrast Ratio [Gateway]
• 600 nits brightness level [Samsung] vs. 570 nits brightness level [Gateway]
• etc...

[sales] And here we have our 300 series machine
[cust ] Neat! (opens IE)
[cust ] It seems a little slow opening up a browser; I thought you said it was fast?
[sales] It is! It just appears slow because we're maxing out the processor.
[cust ] Why would you do that on a display machine that's supposed to be showing off the machine's strengths?
[sales] We make $0.03/hour crunching numbers in the background.
[cust ] (on cellphone) Honey.. sell the Gateway stock. They're obviously in trouble.

Gateway says here:

"As a leading proponent of inexpensive and easy-to-use downloadable music, Gateway believes consumers should have lawful rights to encode, copy, collect, purchase and listen to their personal music collections in the MP3 format. We fully support an MP3 user's right to:

'Rip' and encode their own CD music collections into digital music files for their own personal use and enjoyment.

Make as many copies of their digital music files as they would like for their own personal use. This freely allows consumers to copy their MP3s on any number of their own computers in various locations, as well as on to their portable MP3 hardware players.

'Burn' their music files onto compact discs for their own personal use."

Yeah yeah yeah, now that I see Gateway's ACTIONS I can go back and re-read those words with the right slant. "Of course, we never expected you to think that the files you purchased as part of your Gateway Computer are YOUR files." Or perhaps, "Well, we only meant that for .mp3's. We don't feel that you have any rights for files whose names end in any other set of three letters."

My mother taught me that the essence of a lie was not whether or not the statement was technically true, but whether the speaker intended for the listener to misunderstand them. I'm afraid Gateway's fine talk about consumers' rights is just such a statement.

" You must remember that Gateway machines are extremely user-friendly. While I won't deny that they are decent computers,"

I think you have Gateway confused with Apple

Why not use a better solution, one that doesn't suck ass so much. Like a Gateway Profile.
Cheaper, virtually the same size, and it's a whole PC, not a stupid display, which leaves you with the need to have the rest of the PC somewhere else.

I wouldn't dream of underestimating them, but I just hope that they don't overestimate themselves. Even if they did achieve a market share that allowed them near-monopolistic powers, I'd be worried they'd lose it the moment they tried to leverage them.

I just don't see a huge ammount of brand loyalty in the beige box business. I see loyalty for servers, I see people get worked up into a slather over operating systems, but very rarely do you see Dell and Gateway fans having it out. I think it's a bit like Intel - they thought they had near monopoly powers, and they certainly had near monopoly size... but the moment they let their guard down, AMD jumped in down their throats. Intel had raised prices, and AMD slashed them. Things are only just now getting back to what used to be 'normal'. It'll be interesting to see what happens when each company rolls out it's line of 64 bit processors.

What does this have to do with Dell? I just think a Dell isn't like a Ford, or McDonalds. People compare the (meaningless) numbers, and come up with some not entirely usefull $/MHz comparison, and then buy whatever seems best to them. Apple has brand loyalty because they have some kind of soul lurking in each machine. Dell has... a kid who's very excited about getting one on TV.

I like Dell, I do. They revolutionized quite a few things by building to order, rather than keeping stock. But I think things like bundled printers have been giving other bundled devices bad names. (You know these printers. They come with no ink, cost more than the printer to refill, and then break conveniently.)

By the way, what makes you say Gateway is slowly dying? I think things like their Profile line offer them more than bundling a PDA. They seem fairly unique. (To the non-apple world.)

Haven't had a lot of time to play with M9.0, but if it isn't ready for primetime, M10 will be.

Not so fast! You can order it without an office suite, but they'll charge you for it anyway.

I hope this is a correct perception of Apple's future direction (to become known as a consumer-friendly, DRM-free environment). However, apart from Apple's "Rip... Mix... Burn..." ads, they haven't really said anything publicly about this.

Meanwhile, I give Gateway credit for coming closer to explaining things to consumers than any other company so far (I'm referring to the commercial with what's-his-name and the singing cow... and the explicit statement beginning Gateway believes you have the right....

I'd sure like to see Apple have a similar statement out there in the open, in black-and-white (or translucent-blue-and-white if you prefer).

Now if someone could just convince AMD not to go along with Palladium...

Amazingly, the lowest end Gateway Profile 4 comes with an integrated ethernet port (with a modem optional) and the other two base models have both standard. Perhaps you should have checked it out yourself.

When is the last time you bought a server with an OS pre-installed?

Who me? Never, but SOME people must... I don't think Dell and Gateway offer it because no one buys it. If your next question is When is the last time you bought a server from Dell or Gateway? Well the answer to that question is never as well, but I'm sure some people do that too.

When you are talking viewable, do you mean in reference to the laptop (ie LCD) world, or the desktop (CRT still, for the most part) world? I am confident you know the difference.

If Linux is such a priority, and Linux is still quite a bit of command line, or maybe you write a decent amount of code, than I am not sure I understand you wants/desires. Gaming?

Bigger is better, I know, I know. I think Dell, or maybe it is Gateway, not sure, has a 15.7" display for their laptops now (yep, Gateway does).

And your gripe about poor viewing angles has been a moot point for at least a year or two now. Besides, the entire point of a laptop is that IT'S MOBILE. You could just move it a bit.
Less standardization? You should have said "less options."

Linux Mandrake is just the latest in a long line of quirkily christened versions of Linux. Previous versions of Linux have been named Red Hat, Slack Ware, Storm and Coral. In stark contrast to the mundane names such as 98, ME or NT preferred by Microsoft, the crazy names of each Linux release hint at its renegade nature.

My foray into the world of Linux began by downloading a "CD image" from the Linux web site. But don't worry, this isn't software piracy, it's perfectly legal! Linux is shareware, meaning that it can be freely redistributed without fear of a visit by the Business Software Alliance. The free availability of Linux is a major reason for its popularity among cash-strapped students and self-styled anti-capitalist hackers.

Before installing new software, it is always advisable to read the documentation. Unfortunately, an unpleasant surprise was in store for me in the "required configuration" section of the manual. I was shocked to learn that Linux Mandrake only runs on Pentium processors, meaning that my hopes of testing the water with my old Gateway 486 were dashed. Furthermore, a whopping 32 megabytes of memory are required to run Linux! Although the advocates of Linux self-righteously boast the efficiency of their chosen operating system and deride the "bloatware" produced by Microsoft, it appears that their claims are blatantly incorrect. Although my humble 486 will happily run Windows 95, it seems that Linux requires far more powerful, and more expensive, computer hardware. Is this really the sign of a lean, mean operating system? Of course not.

Sadly, not even being able to install Linux is just the first of my many complaints. A brief perusal of the features of Linux Mandrake reveals that Linux is sorely lacking many crucial productivity applications. For example, why isn't the industry standard web browser, Internet Explorer, included with Linux? Despite the best efforts of the experts at the Internet Engineering Task Force to encourage adoption of the Internet Explorer standard, the creators of Linux seem to think that they know better. By refusing to adhere to recognised standards, Linux is simply undermining its own credibility.

Similarly, almost all of the world's most popular and widely used software is completely incompatible with Linux! It may surprise you to learn that your copy of Microsoft Office, Outlook Express, or Lotus Notes will not work under Linux. Those who wish to use their computer for recreational purposes are also out of luck, for almost all of the most popular games are unavailable for Linux. Although a wide range of software is freely available for Linux, these pitiful offerings are mostly unfinished, unreliable and do not bear comparison to their commercial counterparts.

Computer security is also an area that seems to have been overlooked by the developers of Linux. In these times when hacking and viruses are commonplace, it defies belief to learn that no anti-virus software is available for Linux. To add insult to injury, there is no Linux version of the popular ZoneAlarm firewall. By using Linux, you are issuing an open invitation to the hordes of ne'er-do-wells on the Internet.

The shortcomings of Linux are obvious. Without even installing Linux Mandrake, I have exposed several fundamental flaws. Surely it is not too much to expect that, after ten years of development, the creators of Linux would have addressed these problems? The real question that the prospective Linux user must ask himself is, "Why bother?" After all, Microsoft Windows comes free with most PCs and there simply isn't a need to replace it, particularly not with a product of inferior quality.

Although it is always tempting to support the underdog, Windows XP will be the deserved victor in the battle ahead. I recommend that those Adequacy readers who are hoping to upgrade their operating system patiently wait for the release of Windows XP, rather than foolishly wasting their time, effort and money on Linux.

If you want build speed, disable optimization etc.

I understand this when developing on a workstation for a workstation target, but if you're developing a graphics engine that must run within 200,000 machine cycles on fixed hardware, and your engine already runs at 84% CPU usage at -O3, you can't afford to turn off the optimizer.

I can't find much information on their webpage, but Gateway did produce pretty much exactly what you are talking about. Even though its not listed on their page, it is still sold through their stores, now upgraded to support all kinds of input/outputs, and better specs.

Here's a picture of it.

It even has/had a mouse with what you are describing, and a 36" VGA monitor. Cool stuff.

Everybody, count to ten with me! 1,2,3,4... hmm 1,2,3,4 that's 10!

1. It doesn't use SCSI!!!
For a server, you bet your ass that SCSI matters, unless you're storing all your cache on a ramdisk? As for your comment about the Fiber Channel array - that's great, what's that going to add, $3000 to the price? And until it ships, it's vapor.

2. The G4 os SO SLOW!
...Hell, the entire UI for Apple will be a 3D rendered surface come the next release...
Once again, you are a dumbass for thinking that Floating Point is going to affect performance for a server AT ALL. Servers do not run photoshop filters! As for your comment about the whole UI being rendered in 3D, that's really great. I'm glad my server needs a fucking GeForce 4 to run!

3. I can build a better linux server for half the price!
Ok, but it won't be in 1U will it? 1U is an expensive case to buy (with built in sliding rails , remember.)
Here's a 1U Intel system with a starting price of $1099. It has SCSI, ECC ram, 2 Ethernet ports, and YES IT COMES WITH SLIDING RAILS. Yes, I realize that it's only got 18 gig HD, but you can add more and still come out cheaper than the mac. Or I can just buy 3 of them and it will still be comparably priced. And if you try and tell me that the Mac is a better deal than 3 1.1ghz intel systems, you really need to go take a cyanide pill.

4. Linux is FREE so there's no value in OS X! comaprisons to windows are Silly, NOBODY uses windows!
...OS X on the other hand is no cost to install ...
You obviously have never used anything other than MacOS. While Linux probably requires more than OSX server will with its pretty tools, if you have to actively "maintain" your server then there's probably something wrong with it. A server is supposed to just work. Also, I don't know anybody who has ever used a server with the operating system left as installed by the mfr. You always repartition and reformat the drive for various reasons, so you STILL have to reinstall the OS, and I don't know why you think installing linux takes so long? It takes about 20 minutes.

It's people like you who make me embarrassed to be a Mac fan. PLEASE STOP TAKING STEVE JOBS'S WORDS AS GOSPEL! HE IS NO MORE TRUTHFUL ABOUT HIS PRODUCTS THAN BILL GATES OR LARRY ELLISON!

We (I) just replaced the 15 workstations in my small office here with these. Gateways. P4 1.2's. 20 GB HD's. 128 MB of mem. $600. Even comes with a monitor ($70 less without). XP Pro installed, so no windows licensing issues. And your supporting all those artists, dude!

Gateway's sundown ad is great. Where can I find the Whip It ad that the articles keep mentioning?

With a $3.5 billion drop in net sales in FY2001, and with a stock price under $7 a share, not to mention an increasingly competitive marketplace for OEMs, dontcha think Gateway ought to be focusing on consolidating their business instead of trying wacky new ventures?

With a $3.5 billion drop in net sales in FY2001, and with a stock price under $7 a share, not to mention an increasingly competitive marketplace for OEMs, dontcha think Gateway ought to be focusing on consolidating their business instead of trying wacky new ventures?

When will you people from Iowa give it up?

You do realize that the Atanasoff-Berry Computer is the *only* major computer technology advancement made in the state of Iowa *ever*? (We're not counting Gateway, 'cuz they chickened out (no pun intended).)

Us geeks from Iowa have to have *something* to be proud of! :-)

I just saw the commercial during Saturday Night Live. I'm surprised the commercial aired the same day as the story appeared on slashdot.

I wonder if it will be posted on the newly rivived Ad Critic, and itself distributed via the web and burned to CD-ROM?

Although I've never really been a fan of Gateway (home of Laptop Support Hell), but I'm glad they're doing this.

Yes you can.

From their link on the Gateway page (click on: Protect Your Rights)

Gateway believes:
You have the right to make copies for your own use of any CD you've purchased legally -- so you can listen to it in different locations and have a backup if something happens to your original copy.
You have the right to enjoy legally acquired music in any format you want -- like converting CD tracks to MP3 files to take with you on a portable or car MP3 player.
You have the right to download music from the Internet that you've paid for or that's been made available for download by the artist or record label.

karmawarrior writes "Gateway is launching an advertising campaign against Senator Holling's CBDTPA bill, which, apparently will include its cow mascot encouraging computer users to legally download MP3s and burn their own CDs." Wired also has a story; see Gateway's website for more, as Gateway takes a page from Apple's "Rip-Mix-Burn" playbook.

karmawarrior writes "Gateway is launching an advertising campaign against Senator Holling's CBDTPA bill, which, apparently will include its cow mascot encouraging computer users to legally download MP3s and burn their own CDs." Wired also has a story; see Gateway's website for more, as Gateway takes a page from Apple's "Rip-Mix-Burn" playbook.

Check this out if you want to see Gateway's stance on the whole deal.

Sorry to follow up on myself, but it looks like Gateway has already gotten started. Here's a link.

http://www.gateway.com/home/deals/offers/music/dmz . html

When you get there, check out the "Protect your rights" link. (It's Javascript that pops open a new window.) They could have provided more details, but i still think it's a good effort that other companies will hopefully copy. Oops, did I say copy? Sorry, Fritz.

Sorry, but that machine has very little marketing potential.
A $449 machine, without a monitor, and with the specs you mentioned just doesnt cut it, when you can buy something like this, at a very similar price.

Um, sorry, but putting all the computer parts in one box instead of two does not an iMac ripoff make.

Transparent plastic was an iMac innovation. Perhaps aspects of the friendly-looking design. And the lamp-like design of the new iMac is an Apple innovation. But saying any all-in-one design is a Mac ripoff is a bit stupid.

The disk drive is on the side. Here's a picture of the old model, which has been around for ages, and looks just like the "new iMac ripoff" design...

http://www.gateway.com/work/prod/sb_profileb3se-d_ ProdDetail.shtml for a better product description than the article links.

...it's not about who's copying who. Heck, you're comparing apples to oranges, as there's a considerable design difference in having all the hardware (CPU, RAM, drive, etc...) in the *base* (Apple iMac) as opposed to the LCD (Gateway Profile)

Besides, as you can see from Gateway's Support Page, they've had the Profile for over 2-3 years -- with the first model being a 400MHz machine.

In all fairness, Apple isn't the only one that "Thinks Different" -- of course, I will concede that Gateway's Profile series wasn't too successful, and that Apple once again shows that it has a keen sense of timing -- thus allowing them to "Succeed Different". But to call Gateway's Profile a "knock-off" is not quite fair...

Oh well.

hopefully intel will reduce the size of this thing so the big three can get it into laptops that aren't the size (and weight) of a sack of this.

i don't believe the laptop market is filled to the brim with people who wear back-supports.

The Linux operating system was born in 1991 and was created by one man, a
Finnish student coincidentally named Linux Torvalds. Since these humble
beginnings, a multi-million dollar
industry has sprung up to exploit the commercial potential of Linux, but
until recently Linux has eluded mainstream acceptance. However, due to the
recent economic downturn together with uncertainty over changes to Microsoft's pricing policy, Linux is
now being touted as a serious contender to Microsoft Windows. While there
are many other alternatives to Windows, including BSD which is based on SUN's (Stanford University Network - correction by bc) server-grade Solaris operating system,
none have commanded the same level of media attention as Linux.

Linux Mandrake is just the
latest in a long line of quirkily christened versions of Linux. Previous
versions of Linux have been named Red Hat, Slack Ware,
Storm and Coral. In stark contrast to the mundane names such
as 98, ME or NT preferred by Microsoft, the crazy
names of each Linux release hint at its renegade nature.

My foray into the world of Linux began by downloading a "CD image" from
the Linux web site. But don't worry, this isn't software piracy, it's
perfectly legal! Linux is shareware, meaning that it can be freely
redistributed without fear of a visit by the Business Software Alliance. The free
availability of Linux is a major reason for its popularity among
cash-strapped students and self-styled anti-capitalist hackers.

Before installing new software, it is always advisable to read the
documentation. Unfortunately, an unpleasant surprise was in store for me
in the "required configuration" section of the manual.
I was shocked to learn that Linux Mandrake only runs on Pentium
processors, meaning that my hopes of testing the water with my old Gateway 486 were dashed. Furthermore, a
whopping 32 megabytes of memory are required to run Linux! Although the advocates of Linux self-righteously
boast the efficiency of their chosen operating system and deride the
"bloatware" produced by Microsoft, it appears that their claims are
blatantly incorrect. Although my humble 486 will happily run Windows 95,
it seems that Linux requires far more powerful, and more expensive,
computer hardware. Is this really the sign of a lean, mean operating system?
Of course not.

Sadly, not even being able to install Linux is just the first of my many
complaints. A brief perusal of the
features of Linux Mandrake reveals that Linux is sorely lacking many
crucial productivity applications. For example, why isn't the industry
standard web browser, Internet Explorer, included with Linux? Despite the
best efforts of the experts at the Internet
Engineering Task Force to encourage adoption of the Internet Explorer
standard, the creators of Linux seem to think that they know better. By
refusing to adhere to recognised standards, Linux is simply undermining
its own credibility.

Similarly, almost all of the world's most popular and widely used software
is completely incompatible with Linux! It may surprise you to learn that
your copy of Microsoft Office, Outlook Express, or Lotus Notes will not
work under Linux. Those who wish to use their computer for recreational
purposes are also out of luck, for almost all of the most popular games
are unavailable for Linux. Although a wide range of software is freely
available for Linux, these pitiful offerings are mostly unfinished, unreliable and do not
bear comparison to their commercial counterparts.

Computer security is also an area that seems to have been overlooked by
the developers of Linux. In these times when hacking and viruses are
commonplace, it defies belief to learn that no anti-virus software is available for
Linux. To add insult to injury, there is no Linux version of the popular
ZoneAlarm firewall. By using Linux,
you are issuing an open invitation to the hordes of ne'er-do-wells on the
Internet.

The shortcomings of Linux are obvious. Without even installing Linux
Mandrake, I have exposed several fundamental flaws. Surely it is not too
much to expect that, after ten years of development, the creators of Linux
would have addressed these problems? The real question that the
prospective Linux user must ask himself is, "Why bother?" After all,
Microsoft Windows comes free with most PCs and there simply isn't a need
to replace it, particularly not with a product of inferior quality.

Although it is always tempting to support the underdog, Windows XP will
be the deserved victor in the battle ahead. I recommend that those
Adequacy readers who are hoping to upgrade their operating system
patiently wait for the release of Windows XP, rather than foolishly
wasting their time, effort and money on Linux.

Here is a laptop for $1000. Just one. The first I could find.

At our school, the $100/semester is expicity towards equipping the computing centers in the University, and making sure that they have enough systems for everybody. The support staff is paid for by other monies.

Now, I'm not going to attempt to solve the "Low-bidder" or "Bad-spec" jobs-- these are completely different and impossible problems that happen any time money is spent. And as for "being obsolete" -- what does that matter? If a laptop is useless in 4 years, who care? Exactly what can you buy that will not be obsolete in 4 years?

And as for people and maintenance, I'm not saying that the University needs to run an exchange program, just have the students deal with the manufacturer and have a waranty. if they break it, they pay for the next one. No big deal.

Yes, there are problems, but it should be looked at as a solution, even if it means all the cushy IT people might have to have there hours cut.

A good choice for a small box is the NLX form factor, pictured here.
The NLX form factor is widely used for "enterprise" PCs, aka cubical PCs, where space is a premium. For example see the Gateway E series.

The NLX has a 5.25" bay for CD-ROM/DVD and four half-height 3" bays (two accessible from the front panel). Up to 3 PCI cards plug into the riser card.

The result is a very nice little box with as much performance as you need.

I think this is a slicker way to do the tiny-PC than anything Apple or Shuttle are doing. Laptops have been around for a while now. It's odd that no one thought to just stand one up and flip the screen over to turn into into a very low profile desktop PC untill recently. Or do they have laptops that can dock like that these days?

Processor: Intel® Celeron(TM) Processor 1200MHz (1.2GHz) with 256K Cache

Memory: 256MB SDRAM

Hard Drive: 40GB UATA100 7200RPM Hard Drive

Floppy Drive: 3.5" 1.44MB diskette drive

CD-ROM: 16x/10x/40x Recordable ReWriteable CDRW

Operating System: Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition

Application Software: Microsoft® Works Suite - Including Microsoft® Word and Encarta

Monitor: 15" LCD Flat Panel Display (15" viewable)

Video: Integrated Intel® 3D Graphics

Keyboard: Multi-function Keyboard

Mouse: Logitech PS/2 Wheel Mouse and Gateway mouse pad

Sound System: Integrated Enhanced Audio

Speakers: Boston Acoustics® BA745 Speakers with Subwoofer

Case: Gateway Micro-Tower Case

Expansion Slots: 3 PCI Expansion Slots

Modem: 56K PCI Voice Modem

Network Adapter: Integrated 10/100 Ethernet

Internet Service Provider: 1 Year America Online Internet Access
Additional phone charges may apply. Click here for details

Limited Warranty Program: 1 Year Limited Parts / Labor / Support

AntiVirus Software: Norton AntiVirus 2002

The Linux operating system was born in 1991 and was created by one man, a
Finnish student coincidentally named Linux Torvalds. Since these humble
beginnings, a multi-million dollar
industry has sprung up to exploit the commercial potential of Linux, but
until recently Linux has eluded mainstream acceptance. However, due to the
recent economic downturn together with uncertainty over changes to Microsoft's pricing policy, Linux is
now being touted as a serious contender to Microsoft Windows. While there
are many other alternatives to Windows, including BSD which is based on SUN's (Stanford University Network - correction by bc) server-grade Solaris operating system,
none have commanded the same level of media attention as Linux.

Linux Mandrake is just the
latest in a long line of quirkily christened versions of Linux. Previous
versions of Linux have been named Red Hat, Slack Ware,
Storm and Coral. In stark contrast to the mundane names such
as 98, ME or NT preferred by Microsoft, the crazy
names of each Linux release hint at its renegade nature.

My foray into the world of Linux began by downloading a "CD image" from
the Linux web site. But don't worry, this isn't software piracy, it's
perfectly legal! Linux is shareware, meaning that it can be freely
redistributed without fear of a visit by the Business Software Alliance. The free
availability of Linux is a major reason for its popularity among
cash-strapped students and self-styled anti-capitalist hackers.

Before installing new software, it is always advisable to read the
documentation. Unfortunately, an unpleasant surprise was in store for me
in the "required configuration" section of the manual.
I was shocked to learn that Linux Mandrake only runs on Pentium
processors, meaning that my hopes of testing the water with my old Gateway 486 were dashed. Furthermore, a
whopping 32 megabytes of memory are required to run Linux! Although the advocates of Linux self-righteously
boast the efficiency of their chosen operating system and deride the
"bloatware" produced by Microsoft, it appears that their claims are
blatantly incorrect. Although my humble 486 will happily run Windows 95,
it seems that Linux requires far more powerful, and more expensive,
computer hardware. Is this really the sign of a lean, mean operating system?
Of course not.

Sadly, not even being able to install Linux is just the first of my many
complaints. A brief perusal of the
features of Linux Mandrake reveals that Linux is sorely lacking many
crucial productivity applications. For example, why isn't the industry
standard web browser, Internet Explorer, included with Linux? Despite the
best efforts of the experts at the Internet
Engineering Task Force to encourage adoption of the Internet Explorer
standard, the creators of Linux seem to think that they know better. By
refusing to adhere to recognised standards, Linux is simply undermining
its own credibility.

Similarly, almost all of the world's most popular and widely used software
is completely incompatible with Linux! It may surprise you to learn that
your copy of Microsoft Office, Outlook Express, or Lotus Notes will not
work under Linux. Those who wish to use their computer for recreational
purposes are also out of luck, for almost all of the most popular games
are unavailable for Linux. Although a wide range of software is freely
available for Linux, these pitiful offerings are mostly unfinished, unreliable and do not
bear comparison to their commercial counterparts.

Computer security is also an area that seems to have been overlooked by
the developers of Linux. In these times when hacking and viruses are
commonplace, it defies belief to learn that no anti-virus software is available for
Linux. To add insult to injury, there is no Linux version of the popular
ZoneAlarm firewall. By using Linux,
you are issuing an open invitation to the hordes of ne'er-do-wells on the
Internet.

The shortcomings of Linux are obvious. Without even installing Linux
Mandrake, I have exposed several fundamental flaws. Surely it is not too
much to expect that, after ten years of development, the creators of Linux
would have addressed these problems? The real question that the
prospective Linux user must ask himself is, "Why bother?" After all,
Microsoft Windows comes free with most PCs and there simply isn't a need
to replace it, particularly not with a product of inferior quality.

Although it is always tempting to support the underdog, Windows XP will
be the deserved victor in the battle ahead. I recommend that those
Adequacy readers who are hoping to upgrade their operating system
patiently wait for the release of Windows XP, rather than foolishly
wasting their time, effort and money on Linux.

The Linux operating system was born in 1991 and was created by one man, a Finnish student coincidentally named Linux Torvalds. Since these humble beginnings, a multi-million dollar industry has sprung up to exploit the commercial potential of Linux, but until recently Linux has eluded mainstream acceptance. However, due to the recent economic downturn together with uncertainty over changes to Microsoft's pricing policy, Linux is now being touted as a serious contender to Microsoft Windows. While there are many other alternatives to Windows, including BSD which is based on SUN's (Stanford University Network - correction by bc) server-grade Solaris operating system, none have commanded the same level of media attention as Linux.

Linux Mandrake is just the latest in a long line of quirkily christened versions of Linux. Previous versions of Linux have been named Red Hat, Slack Ware, Storm and Coral. In stark contrast to the mundane names such as 98, ME or NT preferred by Microsoft, the crazy names of each Linux release hint at its renegade nature.

My foray into the world of Linux began by downloading a "CD image" from the Linux web site. But don't worry, this isn't software piracy, it's perfectly legal! Linux is shareware, meaning that it can be freely redistributed without fear of a visit by the Business Software Alliance. The free availability of Linux is a major reason for its popularity among cash-strapped students and self-styled anti-capitalist hackers.

Before installing new software, it is always advisable to read the documentation. Unfortunately, an unpleasant surprise was in store for me in the "required configuration" section of the manual. I was shocked to learn that Linux Mandrake only runs on Pentium processors, meaning that my hopes of testing the water with my old Gateway 486 were dashed. Furthermore, a whopping 32 megabytes of memory are required to run Linux! Although the advocates of Linux self-righteously boast the efficiency of their chosen operating system and deride the "bloatware" produced by Microsoft, it appears that their claims are blatantly incorrect. Although my humble 486 will happily run Windows 95, it seems that Linux requires far more powerful, and more expensive, computer hardware. Is this really the sign of a lean, mean operating system? Of course not.

Sadly, not even being able to install Linux is just the first of my many complaints. A brief perusal of the features of Linux Mandrake reveals that Linux is sorely lacking many crucial productivity applications. For example, why isn't the industry standard web browser, Internet Explorer, included with Linux? Despite the best efforts of the experts at the Internet Engineering Task Force to encourage adoption of the Internet Explorer standard, the creators of Linux seem to think that they know better. By refusing to adhere to recognised standards, Linux is simply undermining its own credibility.

Similarly, almost all of the world's most popular and widely used software is completely incompatible with Linux! It may surprise you to learn that your copy of Microsoft Office, Outlook Express, or Lotus Notes will not work under Linux. Those who wish to use their computer for recreational purposes are also out of luck, for almost all of the most popular games are unavailable for Linux. Although a wide range of software is freely available for Linux, these pitiful offerings are mostly unfinished, unreliable and do not bear comparison to their commercial counterparts.

Computer security is also an area that seems to have been overlooked by the developers of Linux. In these times when hacking and viruses are commonplace, it defies belief to learn that no anti-virus software is available for Linux. To add insult to injury, there is no Linux version of the popular ZoneAlarm firewall. By using Linux, you are issuing an open invitation to the hordes of ne'er-do-wells on the Internet.

The shortcomings of Linux are obvious. Without even installing Linux Mandrake, I have exposed several fundamental flaws. Surely it is not too much to expect that, after ten years of development, the creators of Linux would have addressed these problems? The real question that the prospective Linux user must ask himself is, "Why bother?" After all, Microsoft Windows comes free with most PCs and there simply isn't a need to replace it, particularly not with a product of inferior quality.

Although it is always tempting to support the underdog, Windows XP will be the deserved victor in the battle ahead. I recommend that those Adequacy readers who are hoping to upgrade their operating system patiently wait for the release of Windows XP, rather than foolishly wasting their time, effort and money on Linux.