Budget PC and notebook builder Everex announced that they are selling a low-cost, small form-factor desktop system designed specifically for MySpace users. The system will run the Linux distribution gOS, but in a special variant (Space 2.9) that is specifically tailored toward MySpace users. The system will be capitalizing not only on the tremendous number of active MySpace users, but also the site’s recently released API.
Based on the name, the MyMiniPC may sound like it was designed for Barbie but it is actually an interesting build. It features an Intel Dual-Core T2130 mobile processor (1.86GHz, 1MB L2 cache, 533MHz) with an 120GB disk, 512MB DDR2 RAM, and a DVD burner. The system also has four USB slots, a 2-in-1 card reader, and DVI-out so while it is no powerhouse it will be a capable small form-factor computer, especially given that it is designed for use online.
The MyMiniPC is distinct from a standard Everex desktop because the OS uses a customized platform with built-in MySpace apps and other extras, namely “enhanced graphics, animations and a new icon dock, which aggregates the latest MySpace and Web 2.0 entertainment media sites”. The differences do not appear to be that dramatic when compared to a standard installation of gOS, but there seems to be a new background, fresh icons, and a few other minor changes.
The system can be pre-ordered now from Everex’s front page and goes for $499.
Sal’s Opinion
When I first heard about this I wasn’t sure if it was a good move or a sure sign of the apocalypse. After some investigation it looks like Everex has put together a pretty nice mobile-on-the-desktop (MoDT) box even if the MySpace theme is a bit gimmicky. The $500 price tag is not cheap, considering people could easily get a Dell desktop or even some notebooks for less, but what you are paying for is the small size. If this is a big factor, then the MyMiniPC could be a reasonable option.
The T2130 processor is a mobile dual-core chip which is not clearly positioned, but is close to Intel’s Core Duo line. This processor should be more than enough for internet use on the lightweight OS, but for $500 it would be nice to see something a bit higher end. The system should also be shipped with 1GB of RAM given how inexpensive memory is these days.
If users are not completely sold on the MySpace theme users might also want to check out the Shuttle KPC, the Zonbu, or Lenovo’s ThinkCentre A61. The first two lack optical drives and the Zonbu relies on remote storage, but both are more affordable than the Everex.
