Posted: 7/1/2006 11:47:58 AM EDT
|
www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/2745/mirus_linspire_and (yada yada yada its a copy of mini mac, whatever). It still looks like a cool alternative to Windows or OSX on a PC. I have a mini mac at work, its kind of neat but I would like to play with this too. 
|
I had a Shuttle and a Biostar iDEQ. Still a little big, (like a toaster) and they got hot as hell (like a toaster). This comes ready to go, software and all also. Just look interesting to me because I was thinking about building a Linux system and this seems neat. |
So buy one and let us know how it works out!  The "teaser" price seems a little low on memory. And a faster CPU would be nice. I'd think you'd want at least 1GB of RAM and at least the 60GB HD. I'd shoot for something bigger like a 80GB or a 120GB HD. Can you live with the "built in" graphics chip set?  These things always cost more than you'd think after you actually get to the point of a decent working system. Just because it comes with mouse,keyboard, speakers doesn't mean they will be of a quality worth keeping once you actually touch them.  Still let us know how it works out. I've been looking for a mini system for myself, Just about given up and decided to go with a laptop. |
I got to talk my boss into it. Integrated mem is fine. Its Linux, its not like I will be gaming on it. |
Now that's just plain righteous. 
|
If I went to lan parties, I'd do it. |
|
Seems like a SAW ammo can would let you build that without having to file off 1mm from the mother board: GI .50 Cal. Ammo Box *Used *12" x 6" x7 1/2" *OD Green GI Saw Box *Used Size: 12" x 6 3/4" x8 1/2" And you could build a larger system with the 20 mm cans GI 20MM Ammo Box *Used *Removable Lid Size: 17" x 7" x 15" |
|
I've been looking for a HTPC and have been looking hard at the Mac's Mini mainly for the application - the only reason to buy a computer and operating system. Front Row is just nearly the perfect HTPC application. I'm using my satellite box to digitally recording programming so I don't need so stinky analog card but to play back photos and music through the Mac mini would rock. There are a few issues - I want the application to become a bit more mature. I've looked at Vista and it's not nearly the operating system for the HTPC that I need. I ought to just pull the trigger and buy the mini as it's going to be another 9-12 months before they upgrade the hardware and I'll get appliations upgraded in the mean time. |
|
I do not claim to be a Linux geek--but more than a couple Linux geeks (-online and IRL-) have said that Linspire, quite frankly, , , -sucks. ------- One place I know of that specializes in mini-PC's is logisysus.com/ , a lot of neat stuff on there (in-dash car PC's!). ~ |
I never messed with Linux but from all the Linux crusaders, I hear its the savior of mankind. I guess some versions are buggy? |
Looks close or the same as the Mac Mini. What are the major differences among Linux? Are some really buggy and unreliable or something? Is ther e aplace that lists all the different Linux versions and list why some are better? I am thinking about getting into it. I DL Knoppix but have not tried it yet. |
All I can attest to is that SuSE 10.1 is great. |
Under the hood they are all essentially the same thing, what varies is how they are installed, what they install, how they customize the look and location of some configuration files, and various system maintenance nuances (package management is usually the flagship of any distro). The thing with Linspire is that it is designed to be just like Windows for the look and feel. If you are interested in actually learning Linux, it's not a good place to start. I would use Ubuntu, Fedora, or SuSE as a starting point. When you want to learn some more go with Debian or Gentoo. The latter two are focused more towards power users who want to tweak the settings themselves and compile their own kernels and get their hands into everything. In fact with Gentoo you compile just about everything from scratch. |
Thanks. I would be interested in messing with it. Linspire would be decent if I was going to build my family home systems and they were pretty much familiar with Windows then? |
Yeah but Windows is better than Linspire. Linspire is meant for cheap Walmart computers with no pre-installed Windows. 
|
It is a alternative… it not the savior of anything on the desktop, been hearing that for 6 years and it ain’t happening. Many versions are difficult for the novice to use and the vast majority are not really a good choice for those that do not want to spend some time learning. That box will also run Windows XP fine. So give Linux a try and have Windows as a fall back if you don’t like it. |