Print this article | E-mail this article | Comment on this article

Sears.com offers the cheapest desktop PC at $185

By Tim Conneally, BetaNews

January 17, 2008, 7:08 PM

Another low-end PC hit the market today, this time it is a machine by Mirus equipped with Freespire 2.0, available at Sears' online shop for $185.

The Mirus desktop system is equipped with an Intel Celeron D 420-1.6Ghz, 1GB of RAM, 80GB HDD, CDRW optical drive, and Freespire 2.0.

This is the first system to come pre-installed with the new CNR.com Client, a free Linux software delivery service developed by the makers of Linspire and currently still in beta. Installation of Linux software for both Debian and RPM-based distributions takes place in a single click, and updates are typically automatic.

This system retails for $284.99, but comes with a promotional Mail-in $100 rebate, making it less expensive than the cheapest Wal-Mart PC, the $199, gOS-equipped Everex TC2502.

Mirus $189 desktop Freespire Screenshot

Add a Comment (42 Comments)

BetaNews reserves the right to remove any comment at any time for any reason. Please keep your responses appropriate and on topic. Foul language and personal attacks will not be tolerated.

By DatabaseBen

posted Jan 21, 2008 - 11:27 AM

wonder what the future will be for telephones.

going to your local retailer, "in the future", customers will be able to buy either a telephone set for 50.00 or get one for 0.01 which monitors your phone numbers and conversation.

beware of the tiny print in the warranty, "the purchase and use of the device constitutes your full consent to have your communications monitored."

Score: 0

By bolaris

posted Jan 21, 2008 - 3:54 AM

Video crunching capability is the main driving force for decent usability in todays pc's Applications demand it and don't compromise if not endulged with the spec needed.

If it is marketed for what it CAN do then people will take it onboard as they know its limitations. But its not for games or for proffesional users.

I do applaud the switch to linux it's perfect for what such a low spec machine can be used for.

For the chap below:

Macs only got their performance boost when they teamed up with intel, sure their g4 dual was a monster back in the day but you could still pick up a pc of the same spec for cheaper. A pc at a premium price still towers over a mac at premium price it is now and always will be.

Score: 0

By internetworld7

posted Jan 20, 2008 - 12:49 AM

A cheap PC usually gives you a cheap experience. You get what you pay for. Stop playing around and go Mac. A premium price for a premium experience. It just doesn't get any better.

Score: 0

By DynamicLynk

posted Jan 20, 2008 - 8:41 PM

A mac is for people not capable of using a PC. Everyone is like "macs are safe" , "macs don't get viruses"...no kidding.

There are hardly any retail programs for a mac, and 90% of video games are PC or console not mac, so sure mac is safe because the only people that have one are the people that think it does 2 things "browse the internet" and plays music.

If hackers were to switch gears and focus only hammering macs then you would see how not so safe macs are.

M$ has been fixing windows every time a whole or flaw is found for years so I would rather go with a company that knows what it is up against instead of one that is barley out there. But this is IMO.

Score: 0

By D0TZLUV3R

edited Jan 18, 2008 - 4:45 AM

Good deals like this is what keeps our market afloat after all our market is still strong. And america probly has the best open market in the world with china at 2nd best.

Score: 0

By freegoo

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 11:04 AM

Does that come with the Sears spyware preinstalled? And I agree with the other post here, $199 without the hassle of a $100 rebate is a better deal. No thanks KMart.

Score: 0

By the artist

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 10:22 AM

no no, you don't get it.

It's not for you nerdies who feel at the top of the world with their super PCs, it's for the "just someone" who "just" needs light office capabilities and internet. AND PERIOD. PERIOD!.

YES! PERIOD! NO MORE!

It means value for that kind of target.

Score: 0

By fewt

posted Jan 19, 2008 - 1:14 PM

Would make a good mythtv box if it's quiet.

Score: 0

By mdotwills

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 7:27 AM

lol I'll buy it. Nice 'toy'...!

Score: 0

By sjc001

edited Jan 18, 2008 - 5:40 AM

This is a good thing when it helps to spread Linux to more and more people. Freespire is a good distro of Linux, it is now based on Ubuntu which is one of the best distros out there and the easiest one to use for the average user with the most hardware support as well.

BTW, Firespire 2.0 isn't in beta anymore......

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

edited Jan 18, 2008 - 9:29 AM

Yes.

Definitely.

Am unknown OS on crap hardware will Most definitely help the OSS cause. I'm sure having to spend hours online trying to figure out how to get WoW or Microsoft Office to work will please them to no end, as will having to constantly bring the unit in for repairs due to the substandard hardware...

Score: 0

By sjc001

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 11:24 AM

You never disappoint me with your ignorance. [rolleyes]

Man, are you ever out of touch with reality....

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 12:33 PM

*laughs*

Reality: *nix market share is still single digits.

Reality: WoW and Microsoft Office 2003+ (the apps, not the suite) are close to, if not the most popular consumer software.

Reality: WoW in Ubuntu 7.10 runs like crap. Office 2003 requires major work to get functional.

Reality: Quality control on a sub$200 system? Yeah...riiiight.

Reality: sjc001 should stop rolling his eyes and perhaps try opening them for once?

Score: 0

By TarrantM

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 2:26 PM

WoW actually runs pretty well on Cadega on Mandriva. One of my guildies runs it that way with no problems.

Office 2003 on the other hand is not nearly as common as the ubiquitous Microsoft Works that pales in comparison to Open/Star Office.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 3:49 PM

Haven't tried it in Mandriva.

But in Ubuntu? Sure. At it's lowest graphics settings and with somewhat working mouse buttons (auto-run is a nightmare if you are used to using the thumb-button). Once you get used to the mouse issue, you *can* run without ptoblems. This is *After* setting the config.wtf to opengl, and configuring multiple Wine registry settings.

I suppose cedega has some wine fixes in place for certain games, and I am sure WoW is one of them. Although, cedega is also proprietary, commercial software, is it not? Not necessarily OSS friendly....

Office 2003 on the other hand is not nearly as common as the ubiquitous Microsoft Works that pales in comparison to Open/Star Office.

May depend on where you are, I suppose. Most of the folks I know have at *least* Word.

Score: 0

By TarrantM

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 5:11 PM

He runs it at 1600x1200 unless we're raiding at which point he drops it down some. Cadega is basically Wine with some proprietary stuff thrown in that you need to spend 45 dollars on. Then again, who on earth could get enjoyment running WoW on a sub 700 dollar computer? yetch..

In the past 5 years I've done tech support consulting on the side, I've probably run into less than 10% of the people who have the full office suite. The majority have the home users have the monstrosity known as MS Works. Office just seem to be that - an application suite for the office. People just aren't springing for it for their home computers. Heck, I get Office for free from the technet/msdn sub I get from work and I still don't install it on the computer I have at home.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 5:25 PM

Resolution means squat. It's the Anti-aliasing, shadowing, texturing, and filtering, none of which works under wine in OpenGL mode. (Even attempting to change these settings generally results in the client crashing out to the desktop)

Score: 0

By CyberDoc999

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 4:14 AM

The local repair shops love these computers.
it is money in our pockets!

Score: 0

By VampireFrost

posted Jan 19, 2008 - 9:52 AM

lol most people don't get there systems repaired anymore. believe me i do that for a living and the only ones that bother are people with systems they paid thousands of dollars for or big companies that don't have the budget for new systems, or just need that one or what ever to hold out a few more months or so. so when they get there new budget can replace all the systems at once. $200 pc's are ones you buy when they brake or stop working you toss it out and buy a new one. its a disposable world people don't repair they toss and get new.

Score: 0

By xyzcb1

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 12:24 AM

I don't see how this is a good deal? Dell can do better. Dell has 249 to 299 workstation on sell all the time, with good specs too.

Score: 0

By Belarathon

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 11:38 PM

I love the "HAL" button on the front panel.

Score: 0

By zridling

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 10:38 PM

Not a bad deal at all for $185, considering what you could do with it — or whom you could give it to — once you have it. Got better things to spend your money on? Then get GNU/Linux and use it on any machine. Want to spend lots of cash on your PC? Run, don't walk, to get either Vista or Apple; they're both more than willing to suck every dime you'll give them.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 9:23 AM

un, don't walk, to get either Vista or Apple; they're both more than willing to suck every dime you'll give them.

But as an added bonus, you can actually use current, modern, *popular* software.

Score: 0

By pitdingo2

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 11:12 AM

"But as an added bonus, you can actually use current, modern, *popular* software."

Sure, if i had to use Office 98 i would not be able to do anything...Office has changed so much since then. How could someone live without the "ribbon interface".

Firefox is pretty popular...this easily runs the latest version. Want to listen to mp3's? Amarok plays them. Need productivity software? Open Office is instantly usable by M$ Office users.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 11:17 AM

lmao..

Office 98 ! popular

Amarok ! popular

Open Office ! popular

Firefox? The vast majority of users are still stuck on IE.

CI never said there weren't alternatives, Linux is full of them. But most users don't want to be told they can't use the same software they have been using all along.

I know that's hard for you to comprehend. Too much logic and all, not enough "M$" and Apple fanboyism. You've got those blinders though, so the facts really shouldn't bother you that much.

Score: 0

By TarrantM

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 12:24 PM

But most users don't want to be told they can't use the same software they have been using all along.

And this is a first step in getting those users to use something they haven't before.

Gotta make a start somewhere, and grabbing the lowest end PC market is a good way to go since there is no way Microsoft can compete in that market when the mere licensing cost for their OS is twice the price of these desktops. Add in the cost of MS Office and the price triples or quadruples. Then add in anti-virus software or hiring someone every few months to re-install the entire computer due to all the spyware/rootkits that are on there, and this is an awesome deal for the low end consumer. Heck, I installed Mandriva a while back on my parents emachine and they've been using it without a single support call to me (other than when they switched from DSL to Cable), for more than a year.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 12:35 PM

And this is a first step in getting those users to use something they haven't before.

If that first step is them buying a sub$200 system with no software support or hand-holding, they're not going to enjoy the experience at all.

Introducing someone to Linux is a hell of a lot more than handing them a system, giving them a number in case of hardware failure and waving goodbye.

Score: 0

By pitdingo2

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 2:25 PM

Here mom, this is Firefox, the same web browser you have been using on Windows. Sure, mom, you just go to gmail like you did before.

Here is Open Office. It works exactly the same as the version on Windows.

that introduction was sure complex.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 3:44 PM

...and two weeks later, you give her back her windows system because you're tired of the constant pestering about why this icon looks different and this button isn't where it should be.

It's painfully evident that you've never supported lifetime windows user in linux.

Score: 0

By TarrantM

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 2:21 PM

Really? How's that any different from other products? Maybe they'll read the manual?

Besides, it'll give the Sear's folks an incentive to sell overpriced support contracts to these people.

Score: 0

By PC_Tool

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 3:42 PM

*laughs*

Yeah.

Read the manual .... or .... stick with what they already know.

Hmm.....

Score: 0

By mjm01010101

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 9:41 PM

Linux on the desktop is here: finally in 2008.

Wonder how MS will respond on the very low end?

Score: 0

By 832Kd4m

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 10:04 PM

Bill Gates is having cold sweats and nightmares while Steve Ballmer is now ordering Value Meals at McDonalds rather than his regular Big Mac and fries.

Score: 0

By ir0nw0lf

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 11:26 AM

I also heard that Steve Jobs made a "Mac Mini" in his jeans...

Score: 0

By ladylust

posted Jan 17, 2008 - 9:29 PM

I hate rebates.... Id take $199.00 over $289.00 with a $100.00 rebate any day of the week. They are both good for the price, but its simply an internet machine...

Score: 0

By VampireFrost

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 12:42 AM

I agree with you ladylust. I never had any luck with rebates, they make you jump though hoops to get them. $185 for this pc most people would find it will fit there needs. not everyone wants or needs a 3ghz quad core system. lol i mean how fast of a computer do you need to surf the internet and check your email? This system is great for like mom and dad or grandma and grandpa that just want to get on to the net and get emails and send and recive pictures and maybe play a card game or 2 online. And even if you don't like Linux you can get Windows XP for a decent price.

Score: 0

By TarrantM

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 9:18 AM

There are some bad companies with rebates. EVGA has consistently been horrible. Tigerdirect with their rebate guarantee has been equally bad. HP on the other hand has always honored their rebates. It's just a matter of finding out who's got a good track record and who doesn't.

Score: 0

By Sargad

edited Jan 18, 2008 - 10:43 AM

"It's just a matter of finding out who's got a good track record and who doesn't."

Problem is you most often have to find it out on your own expense.

Score: 0

By TarrantM

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 12:25 PM

Usually, reading the reviews on newegg before you buy the hardware solves the problem :)

Score: 0

By VampireFrost

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 10:59 AM

ya i hear you i had bad experences with iomega and their rebates. i had over the years 3 maybe a few more of their zip drives of diffrent sizes and never got the rebates for one reason or another i.e. sent a copy of the sales recept and not the orignal, forgot to include the uspc code bar off the box. just stupid things like that. now days if i buy something i buy it and over look any rebates that might be on it.

Score: 0

By horsecharles

posted Jan 18, 2008 - 1:43 PM

Easy, peasy japaneasy: cut out upc from box, attach sales receipt and rebate form filled.... staple ALL that together, keep photocopies of it, mail in, wait 2-3 months. Fairly straightforward...

Cash check quickly though-- company can go bust, check comes with expiration date, etc.

Score: 0

By VampireFrost

posted Jan 19, 2008 - 9:45 AM

yes that is all true but stores won't take a damaged item back if the upc is gone or if you don't have the orignal receipt. so your stuck with a item like the zip drives and there click of death. they don't work and you can't replace because of not having the receipt.

Score: 0

Jul 7 - 10:53 AM ET Apple cuts price of MacBook Air with SSD by $500

Jul 3 - 6:45 PM ET Netflix box by Roku to get more content providers

Jul 3 - 6:30 PM ET US Justice Dept. sued for info on cellular tracking practices

Jul 3 - 6:27 PM ET Next Patch Tuesday has few security updates, big Vista reliability fix

Jul 3 - 5:49 PM ET BlackBerry Pearl users can test voice input for Google Maps

Jul 3 - 5:30 PM ET Adobe pushes its Flash 10 beta 2 refresh

Jul 3 - 4:39 PM ET Nokia and InterDigital start to disassemble their running feud

Jul 3 - 4:34 PM ET Do-it-yourself phone manufacturer declares its independence tomorrow

Jul 3 - 4:16 PM ET Study: US broadband access up overall, but down among the poor

Jul 3 - 3:54 PM ET Beta test a portable Web browsing device