Re: Wal-Mart Microtel PCs - worth the $200?

From: Harry Fors*** (spam_at_fors***.com)
Date: 09/22/03 

Date: 21 Sep 2003 15:44:27 -0700

Darius <yeahright@whatever.com> wrote in message news:<tcoalvs8fli253gullq1s3quv4e1be801i@4ax.com>...

> Anyway, was wondering if this is the best value around, or is there
> better? Anybody had any experiences with these PCs? I know they're not
> going to be speed demons, but are they at least reliable? They should
> have plenty of horsepower for everything I need to do. All I'd have to
> do is throw another NIC in there and I should be good to go.

On another angle, not related to Linux, but rather, shudder, Windows
2000, I have purchased two of these machines (Microtel SYSMAR417) from
Wal-Mart, $215 each shipped to my door, and then loaded Windows 2000
on them. The only trick is to deal with a couple of devices (ethernet
adapter, display adapter and sound adapter) that need to have drivers
that aren't part of the standard Windows 200 installation. But,
included in the package that comes from Wal-Mart / Microtel is a CD
(from MSI the manufacturer of the MS-6378 motherboard inside the
SYSMAR417) that contains all of the drivers you need to make this
machine work just like any other Windows machine.

So, for $215 plus the price of Windows 2000, you can get a fully
functioning Windows PC.

Regards,

     Harry