My cousin bought one, and of course not knowing what Linux was, he was unable to install any apps. He was able to use it for the basic things that its intended, but like most people, saw Computer, and $199 and instantly thought "Wow, what a deal! I need a new computer!" and didnt bother to learn anything about it.
You cant expect Wal-Mart to really be any help either.
I have since helped him find replacements for all his apps, and he has been able to figure out most of it, and is very happy with it.
I think they could do a little better with the processor as well, its pretty slow.
I thought about what you said, but I guess Walmart is pushing this box like it is an appliance (toaster, tv, etc). Just turn it on to surf, read and send email, etc. Maybe it should say something like "cannot run Windows applications" on the box or something.
The "cannot run Windows apps" should be more in the line of "Not iTunes / iPod compatible". That's about the only thing the average PC user would be unable to do with Linux.
Oh, and about the thread itself, the case and its ugliness.
HP has had plenty of time to fine-tune its finger-friendly TouchSmart software, and now, its newest model, the TouchSmart 610, ushers in a fresh design, highlighted by a hinge that allows the display to slide down and lie nearly flat.
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Not the PC, but the packaging.
My cousin bought one, and of course not knowing what Linux was, he was unable to install any apps. He was able to use it for the basic things that its intended, but like most people, saw Computer, and $199 and instantly thought "Wow, what a deal! I need a new computer!" and didnt bother to learn anything about it.
You cant expect Wal-Mart to really be any help either.
I have since helped him find replacements for all his apps, and he has been able to figure out most of it, and is very happy with it.
I think they could do a little better with the processor as well, its pretty slow.
Sounds like he needs to RTFM
I thought about what you said, but I guess Walmart is pushing this box like it is an appliance (toaster, tv, etc). Just turn it on to surf, read and send email, etc. Maybe it should say something like "cannot run Windows applications" on the box or something.
Exactly.
How many non-technical users actually know what Linux is.
And, Wal-Mart just has it on the shelf like any other PC.
Naturally, the employees are incompetent, and even if someone asked what Linux is, there is a good chance that they wouldnt be able to tell them.
The "cannot run Windows apps" should be more in the line of "Not iTunes / iPod compatible". That's about the only thing the average PC user would be unable to do with Linux.
Oh, and about the thread itself, the case and its ugliness.