Do mini-PCs count?

[techieMoe]

I see articles all over the web these days proclaiming that Linux is making inroads on the desktop and how Linux is wonderful and the darling of companies like ASUS. The problem is, they're all referring to these mini-laptops that run what essentially amounts to an embedded, specialized OS that's only slightly more powerful than a Blackberry.

Do these devices really count as "Linux on the desktop"? To me, they don't. Until I see Dell selling out of its N-series full-size laptops and desktop machines or System76 declaring record profits I don't think I can rightfully say "Linux is taking over the desktop!"

That's not to say that mini-PCs aren't cool gadgets, and useful for those people who buy them. I'm just saying there's a big difference between an ASUS EEE and an Inspiron 1520. What do you all think?

[bigtomrodney]

What about the Eee Desktop? Your parents get a browser and skype with a full size keyboard and monitor. They don't care much for customisation or Gigahertz.

I know what you mean about embedded systems not quite fitting our idea of a desktop PC, but for the majority of users all they need is a browser and web-based email. Hell, people who use bittorrent and watch videos other than on YouTube are often considered advanced users from my experience.

I'd agree that these machines don't fit with what you and I would consider a desktop but not everyone needs a workhorse and an operating system is not defined by its modularity and openness. I think a lot of what companies like Google and Microsoft have been saying about the internet apps being more important than local desktop ones is becoming more true all the time. I figure the big rigs might just be for geeks and gamers in the future and something close to thin clients might be the future.

[elija]

I run debian on my eeepc. I didn't like the Xandros OS that came with it. I don't know if
it counts as a desktop specifically, but they are running desktop apps. It is definately
not a server...

[techieMoe]

What about the Eee Desktop? Your parents get a browser and skype with a full size keyboard and monitor. They don't care much for customisation or Gigahertz.

Interesting. Kind of like the the Linux equivalent of a Mac Mini? I guess technically you could call that a desktop.

I know what you mean about embedded systems not quite fitting our idea of a desktop PC, but for the majority of users all they need is a browser and web-based email. Hell, people who use bittorrent and watch videos other than on YouTube are often considered advanced users from my experience.

I don't mean to sound elitist, but that's kind of sad.

I'd agree that these machines don't fit with what you and I would consider a desktop but not everyone needs a workhorse and an operating system is not defined by its modularity and openness. I think a lot of what companies like Google and Microsoft have been saying about the internet apps being more important than local desktop ones is becoming more true all the time. I figure the big rigs might just be for geeks and gamers in the future and something close to thin clients might be the future.

Possibly. I just find it hard to believe because I'm not the target demographic. These lite-PCs will probably never be more than a curious oddity to me. If that makes me a BOFH in the future, well... I guess I'll just have to grow a beard.

[bigtomrodney]

Possibly. I just find it hard to believe because I'm not the target demographic. These lite-PCs will probably never be more than a curious oddity to me. If that makes me a BOFH in the future, well... I guess I'll just have to grow a beard.

Well Moe, you and I and the rest of us forum folks are the grumpy old Unix admins of tomorrow. Just read over our posts here..

"You shouldn't do that as it's insecure!"
"You should only install from your repositories!"
"Why are you running as root! That's a terrible idea!"



It reminds me of all the guys who used to complain that using a desktop was a waste of resources. I figure it'll be like cars. Not everyone needs or even wants a V8, alloys wheels or a manual gearbox...we just like it better that way because that's the generation we come from. It's not that I agree with it rather that it looks like it might be going that way. Who needs a quad core to check their MySpace?

[techieMoe]

Well Moe, you and I and the rest of us forum folks are the grumpy old Unix admins of tomorrow. Just read over our posts here..

"You shouldn't do that as it's insecure!"
"You should only install from your repositories!"
"Why are you running as root! That's a terrible idea!"



It reminds me of all the guys who used to complain that using a desktop was a waste of resources. I figure it'll be like cars. Not everyone needs or even wants a V8, alloys wheels or a manual gearbox...we just like it better that way because that's the generation we come from. It's not that I agree with it rather that it looks like it might be going that way.

That's true. I just hope heavy desktops and laptops don't become something you have to get at hotrodder's conventions and specialty shops.

Who needs a quad core to check their MySpace?

Anyone running Vista...

[carlosponti]

it seems like its not very much cheaper to buy a mini-laptop than it is for a full laptop. that being said desktop is a desktop so if the inroads to peoples homes with linux is through a micro pc i consider it still linux on the desktop. If those micro laptops were 200 or so I might consider getting one but everyone i have seen start at 300 and go up. one is 529 or so which my Ubuntu Dell was just a bit more and is a full featured laptop.

i think i would be surprised to know how many devices are linux around my house, even if they are not desktops but just linux in any case. I know my father in laws wireless router is linux because of the GPL license pamphlet inserted in the box.

[jayd512]

Hell, people who use bittorrent and watch videos other than on YouTube are often considered advanced users from my experience.

It's really kind of sad, but I have to agree with that all the way! Jeez... I might not use a bittorrent, but at least I know what they are.

Anyone running Vista...

<chuckle>

Seriously, though... as far as the original question about whether or not they count, I'm giving half credit. After all, an OS that is stored on a 4 or 8 gig drive makes me think of a hopped up embedded system, so I am in agreement with you, Moe. It does help bring Linux a little more into the main stream, but I still don't think it really qualifies as 'Linux for the desktop.'

[Dapper Dan]

I guess it all depends on how you define "desktop." My wife prefers a lappy and loves her EEE PC. She uses it for just about everything most people would expect a PC with XP to do.

I think there are a lot of users out there who are going for these inexpensive mini laptops because they fit their needs at a reduced price. Whether that fulfills the requirement for them to be labled a "desktop" is kind of hard to pin down if you ask me. I guess technically, all laptops aren't "desktops."

By the way, are we the only EEE PC users in the world who like and prefer the Xandros-esque interface??

[MikeTbob]

I haven't had the pleasure of using any MiniPC's but I think it should at least count for something when it causes Microsoft to jump on the MiniPC bandwagon with a "Slimmed Down" version of Windows. Just like they did with the OLPC machines.
I guess, I feel that If it makes MS squirm, then it must be good! hehe