My friend and I are going to start building small, efficient Linux boxes.

B1gg3stN00b · Jan 20, 2009, 11:35 PM

Targeted solely at elderly people/people who are computer n00bs, setting the computers up for web browsing, E-mail, and having every app the user could want, providing free e-mail support, and selling them at a logical price point much unlike the equally easy to use Macs.

Good idea y/n?

Also - Demo of a build.
Processor, Board, VGA
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121359

Case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154091

HDD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822135106

Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231119

Charging 300$ including in-home installation and setup, with a platform that is nearly 100% immune to viruses, spyware, and malware, and the inability to screw anything up even with moderate computer knowledge...

I think this could take off, it'd be like the Eeedesktop but cheaper.

infrared · Jan 21, 2009, 12:01 AM

You would also need a monitor/keyboard/mouse.

I really like the idea!

I don't have the patience for that target group though, very frustrating to work for.

Error 404 · Jan 21, 2009, 01:49 AM

I say go for a cheaper RAM and a slightly larger HDD. They're not going to be overclocking it, so they wont need the high quality RAM and the money can be put elsewhere.
I assume you're using Ubuntu on this?
Its a very good idea, as well.

hat · Jan 21, 2009, 02:01 AM

why not this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134488

ShadowFold · Jan 21, 2009, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hat

why not this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134488

It doesn't do DDR2-800

B1gg3stN00b · Jan 21, 2009, 02:16 AM

If it's running Ubuntu or PCLinuxOS, it won't need a huge HDD, but that would be an option.

As for keyboard, mouse, etc., they can be had for 5$ a piece on Newegg for reliable standard ones and slightly more for wireless sets, I'd have them as upgrades on the web site.

I have one of KY's best web designers in my entourage of nerddom, a friend with free webspace and endless Linux knowledge whose idea it was in the first place, as well as a few advertising, writing, and communications classes under my belt, so this would be a good chance to put my skills to the test.

cdawall · Jan 21, 2009, 02:19 AM

hard drive is fine but i say go with this ram its cheaper and on that chipset it run DDR533 4-4-4-10

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820144259

blueskynis · Jan 21, 2009, 02:28 AM

I like the idea! If you are going to ship with Ubuntu I propose 8.04 because it's LTS and it is more polished than 8.10. Also apply known workarounds found in ubuntu-forums for sound problems that may arise with Skype, flash and other programs. Just test and make sure everything works fine.

Cheers

CyberDruid · Jan 21, 2009, 02:59 AM

It's a great idea. Hard to beat the price of a Linux based eMachine from WalMart though.

btarunr · Jan 21, 2009, 03:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hat

why not this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134488

Those are two modules. The Intel Atom board takes in only one.

hat · Jan 21, 2009, 03:16 AM

well then.

me

D007 · Jan 21, 2009, 03:21 AM

If you can make money doing it..
it's a good idea..

Steevo · Jan 21, 2009, 03:32 AM

Plan on spending 3-4 per customer during install, and the biggest question will be "What windows does it have?"

I tried $20 tune up, after doing a few, the basic cheapskates that went for it then called me to complain. "My limewire doesn't work right, and I don't have all my icons" when they were infected with more crap than you can shake a stick at. Removing the ancient outdated 90 day trial of Norton or McCrappy pissed a couple off.

Really, try and make a 30 minute install and a hefty price for every half hour after, billed on with a minimum hour charge. Or make a check sheet for a machine, with step by step instructions on how to setup their password, etc.....

phanbuey · Jan 21, 2009, 03:37 AM

www.everex.com does that same thing. They would be your key competitor and they sell those boxes for $200 at Walmart. Unless you can build and sell them for under $200... It might not be enough profit for a small operation. You really make much more building gaming rigs. - Higher end means more margin.

Also there is no such thing as a 'foolproof system' - no matter how good u make it, people will get confused. - just imagine - "i bought this Kodak photoprinter at walmart and the CD doesnt work! WTF?" (here is where you try to walk them through a CUPS install for a printer which has no driver in Linux)

So for the money that you would make I would say "bad idea" - especially when you can make $20-$30 and hour telling people how to set print margins in excel.

Error 404 · Jan 21, 2009, 04:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btarunr

Those are two modules. The Intel Atom board takes in only one.

Buy one set for every two boards.

As said before, you wont make much of a profit, but charging for extra services for confused people would probably bring in a little more cash.
You could see if buying in bulk would save some cash, and if your business takes off then you could even consider contacting the suppliers directly instead of going through Newegg.

JC316 · Jan 21, 2009, 06:44 AM

It's a good plan, but I honestly cant stand building for noobs. Any little problem and they will be calling you asking for advice. With linux, I am an experienced computer user and even I had trouble with it. I tried Ubuntu and Linux Mint, both sucked to me.

ShadowFold · Jan 21, 2009, 12:14 PM

Yea I couldn't figure out how to use Linux. I gave up after like 10 mins tho. I had Ubunututu or w/e.

DanTheBanjoman · Jan 21, 2009, 01:00 PM

Bad idea. They couldn't run any software they read or hear about, nor install anything themselves. They can't get support from family and you can't give them much support for $300 either. So they'll be stuck with a machine they can't use for much because nobody understands it but you, and you don't have time. Talking to the person for two hours and you're already losing money. Unless you charge them for support, in which case Dell is the better choice for them.

btarunr · Jan 21, 2009, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Error 404

Buy one set for every two boards.

l2r those are 1 GB modules. He was looking at single 2GB DDR2-667 ones, though the idea isn't bad: buying 2x 2GB kits which may end up cheaper than buying individual modules.

blueskynis · Jan 21, 2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanTheBanjoman

Bad idea. They couldn't run any software they read or hear about, nor install anything themselves. They can't get support from family and you can't give them much support for $300 either. So they'll be stuck with a machine they can't use for much because nobody understands it but you, and you don't have time. Talking to the person for two hours and you're already losing money. Unless you charge them for support, in which case Dell is the better choice for them.

Tell me, what software you would install on an low power (as in performance) atom based computer besides some messenger programs? This is very underpowered computer it's not like a desktop so you install usual stuff like Photoshop, sound and video editing software, video and audio players, various office tools and other mambo-jambos.

Look at this as embeded device with audio and video playback capability for internet browsing (downloading) and messaging. You can do light editing of pictures and office files, managing files and burning discs. 945G can also offer some simple 3D effects in addition so you get fancy desktop too (comparing to XP and partially Vista).

The user has not to worry about anti-virus and other anti-malware software and can safely browse through-out internet without any worry as linux viruses are almost non-existent. Ubuntu does not require periodic user actions like regular disk de-fragmenting, registry and other crap clean-up. Default Ubuntu installation provides about 90% of user needs. This computer is not intended for installation of 3rd party programs because, as OP said, it is intended for computer illiterate people not common users like you and me.

DanTheBanjoman · Jan 21, 2009, 07:46 PM

What I'd install? Completely irrelevant. Though the customers hear things, read things, see things on TV. They'll be wanting to download music for instance, but the program they get from their grandson doesn't work on Linux. The kid doesn't know Linux so they have to ask the place they bought the machine. Since explaining these people things takes time it'll mean you'll be losing money.
In fact, about every small change/wish comes back to your doorstep as they can't ask the smart grandson. Thinking random people can use Ubuntu is ignorant.

PVTCaboose1337 · Jan 21, 2009, 07:55 PM

My build idea:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822135106
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813186155
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231055
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103647

CJCerny · Jan 21, 2009, 08:01 PM

Dead in the water without phone support. Seniors grew up with the phone and the idea that you call someone when you need help. I don't think email support is going to fly with them.

smalls21 · Jan 22, 2009, 04:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanTheBanjoman

Bad idea. They couldn't run any software they read or hear about, nor install anything themselves. They can't get support from family and you can't give them much support for $300 either. So they'll be stuck with a machine they can't use for much because nobody understands it but you, and you don't have time. Talking to the person for two hours and you're already losing money. Unless you charge them for support, in which case Dell is the better choice for them.

I'm going to have to agree with this poster. A Unix system is not that great of an idea with an older person. I would not let even my parents use a Unix system. My mom gets confused enough in windows and that is with the whole family helping her out. I can't imagine what would happen if she was on a Unix based system.

Plus they can get low end dell for like $400, cheaper if they wait for a good deal. I just don't think it will work out that well.

Flyordie · Jan 22, 2009, 04:40 AM

I could build a small linux box for a bit cheaper...
CPU- $19.99 (AMD Sempron AM2)
RAM-$9 (1GB)
Mainboard- $49.99 (AM2+ Board, you never kno..)
CRT 17" Monitor $10.00 (a local school has 30-40 sitting in a spare room) and has them for sale..
Power supply- $27 (Antec Basiq 350W, a Fortron built PSU)
Case- $35
----
$152
$100 for Support, Warranty Service, E-Mail Support
----
(Optional)
Telephone Support- $50
On-Site Support- $40 based on times needed (excludes Warranty Service).

Jan 20, 2009, 11:35 PM	#1
B1gg3stN00b Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 672 (0.32/day) Thanks: 87 Thanked 111 Times in 102 Posts System Specs	My friend and I are going to start building small, efficient Linux boxes. Targeted solely at elderly people/people who are computer n00bs, setting the computers up for web browsing, E-mail, and having every app the user could want, providing free e-mail support, and selling them at a logical price point much unlike the equally easy to use Macs. Good idea y/n? Also - Demo of a build. Processor, Board, VGA http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813121359 Case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811154091 HDD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822135106 Memory http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231119 Charging 300$ including in-home installation and setup, with a platform that is nearly 100% immune to viruses, spyware, and malware, and the inability to screw anything up even with moderate computer knowledge... I think this could take off, it'd be like the Eeedesktop but cheaper.

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Jan 21, 2009, 12:01 AM	#2
infrared Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southampton, UK Posts: 2,878 (0.98/day) Thanks: 233 Thanked 185 Times in 156 Posts System Specs	You would also need a monitor/keyboard/mouse. I really like the idea! I don't have the patience for that target group though, very frustrating to work for. __________________ I don't suffer from insanity - I enjoy every minute of it!

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Jan 21, 2009, 01:49 AM	#3
Error 404 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Australia Posts: 1,330 (0.70/day) Thanks: 166 Thanked 178 Times in 157 Posts System Specs	I say go for a cheaper RAM and a slightly larger HDD. They're not going to be overclocking it, so they wont need the high quality RAM and the money can be put elsewhere. I assume you're using Ubuntu on this? Its a very good idea, as well. __________________ Third rig: PC Express Invader. C2D E6400 2.13GHz, 4GB DDR2-800, 320GB HDD, Intel 945, Asus 9600GT 512MB, 550W PSU, W7 HP 64-bit. Fourth Rig: Dell Optiplex 170L, P4 Prescott 2.8GHz, 512MB DDR266RAM, 80GB HDD, FX5200PCI 128MB, 250W PSU,XP Pro Fifth rig (Laptop): Dell Inspiron 4000, 14.1", PIII 850MHz, 384MB RAM, 9.3GB, XP Pro. Now with passive cooling! “I could make a better looking computer case with a bucket of Lincoln Logs.” -lemode

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Jan 21, 2009, 02:01 AM	#4
hat Maximum Overclocker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 12,247 (5.10/day) Thanks: 2,056 Thanked 2,045 Times in 1,555 Posts System Specs	why not this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820134488 __________________ My Heatware “Inb4 smartphone LN2 overclocking.” -radrok

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Jan 21, 2009, 02:16 AM	#6
B1gg3stN00b Banned Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 672 (0.32/day) Thanks: 87 Thanked 111 Times in 102 Posts System Specs	If it's running Ubuntu or PCLinuxOS, it won't need a huge HDD, but that would be an option. As for keyboard, mouse, etc., they can be had for 5$ a piece on Newegg for reliable standard ones and slightly more for wireless sets, I'd have them as upgrades on the web site. I have one of KY's best web designers in my entourage of nerddom, a friend with free webspace and endless Linux knowledge whose idea it was in the first place, as well as a few advertising, writing, and communications classes under my belt, so this would be a good chance to put my skills to the test.

Jan 21, 2009, 02:19 AM	#7
cdawall where the hell are my stars Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: some AF base Posts: 16,160 (6.41/day) Thanks: 460 Thanked 2,806 Times in 2,254 Posts System Specs	hard drive is fine but i say go with this ram its cheaper and on that chipset it run DDR533 4-4-4-10 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820144259 __________________

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Jan 21, 2009, 02:28 AM	#8
blueskynis Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Serbia, Nis Posts: 230 (0.13/day) Thanks: 53 Thanked 36 Times in 32 Posts System Specs	I like the idea! If you are going to ship with Ubuntu I propose 8.04 because it's LTS and it is more polished than 8.10. Also apply known workarounds found in ubuntu-forums for sound problems that may arise with Skype, flash and other programs. Just test and make sure everything works fine. Cheers __________________ [img disabled]http://i386.photobucket.com/albums/oo310/blueskynis/f10release.png[/IMG] Free yourself know the truth and discover other worlds. My desktop

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Jan 21, 2009, 02:59 AM	#9
CyberDruid Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: On top of a mountain Posts: 1,947 (0.93/day) Thanks: 818 Thanked 1,120 Times in 659 Posts System Specs	It's a great idea. Hard to beat the price of a Linux based eMachine from WalMart though.

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Jan 21, 2009, 03:16 AM	#11
hat Maximum Overclocker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 12,247 (5.10/day) Thanks: 2,056 Thanked 2,045 Times in 1,555 Posts System Specs	well then. me __________________ My Heatware “Inb4 smartphone LN2 overclocking.” -radrok

Jan 21, 2009, 03:21 AM	#12
D007 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Pompano beach, Florida Posts: 2,487 (1.08/day) Thanks: 460 Thanked 334 Times in 267 Posts System Specs	If you can make money doing it.. it's a good idea.. __________________ There is nothing more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity. "Martin Luther King"

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Jan 21, 2009, 03:32 AM	#13
Steevo Eligible for custom title Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 5,578 (2.00/day) Thanks: 239 Thanked 983 Times in 732 Posts System Specs	Plan on spending 3-4 per customer during install, and the biggest question will be "What windows does it have?" I tried $20 tune up, after doing a few, the basic cheapskates that went for it then called me to complain. "My limewire doesn't work right, and I don't have all my icons" when they were infected with more crap than you can shake a stick at. Removing the ancient outdated 90 day trial of Norton or McCrappy pissed a couple off. Really, try and make a 30 minute install and a hefty price for every half hour after, billed on with a minimum hour charge. Or make a check sheet for a machine, with step by step instructions on how to setup their password, etc..... __________________ “it would have been perfect....its got trains and the line"tech your kids not to do what iv done"(or similar) because i had obviously done something to warrent 2 e-thugs to come 4000miles out of their way and kill me.” -Solaris17 “yeah i failed. i noticed the "coming soon" part after i posted.” -Mussels “people are just stupid.” -W1zzard Yes I am evil, yes you can have some.

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Jan 21, 2009, 03:37 AM	#14
phanbuey Eligible for custom title Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Miami Posts: 5,011 (2.45/day) Thanks: 1,484 Thanked 960 Times in 813 Posts System Specs	www.everex.com does that same thing. They would be your key competitor and they sell those boxes for $200 at Walmart. Unless you can build and sell them for under $200... It might not be enough profit for a small operation. You really make much more building gaming rigs. - Higher end means more margin. Also there is no such thing as a 'foolproof system' - no matter how good u make it, people will get confused. - just imagine - "i bought this Kodak photoprinter at walmart and the CD doesnt work! WTF?" (here is where you try to walk them through a CUPS install for a printer which has no driver in Linux) So for the money that you would make I would say "bad idea" - especially when you can make $20-$30 and hour telling people how to set print margins in excel. Last edited by phanbuey; Jan 21, 2009 at 03:50 AM.

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Jan 21, 2009, 06:44 AM	#16
JC316 Knows what makes you tick Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: DFW/ Texas Posts: 6,047 (2.24/day) Thanks: 715 Thanked 914 Times in 698 Posts System Specs	It's a good plan, but I honestly cant stand building for noobs. Any little problem and they will be calling you asking for advice. With linux, I am an experienced computer user and even I had trouble with it. I tried Ubuntu and Linux Mint, both sucked to me. __________________ Core 2 Duo Overclocking guide Athlon 64 overclocking guide “If I were to do this, it'd be my luck that the door would rip off the hinges, burst into flames, and rape my face with fiery hot death.” -El Fiendo

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Sound Card:	Stock onboard
PSU:	Lepa 500W
Software:	Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit

Jan 21, 2009, 12:14 PM	#17
ShadowFold Eligible for custom title Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 12,855 (6.41/day) Thanks: 1,381 Thanked 1,681 Times in 1,498 Posts System Specs	Yea I couldn't figure out how to use Linux. I gave up after like 10 mins tho. I had Ubunututu or w/e.

Jan 21, 2009, 01:00 PM	#18
DanTheBanjoman Señor Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Utrecht, Utrecht, The kingdom of the Netherlands Posts: 8,498 (2.56/day) Thanks: 41 Thanked 1,453 Times in 1,077 Posts System Specs	Bad idea. They couldn't run any software they read or hear about, nor install anything themselves. They can't get support from family and you can't give them much support for $300 either. So they'll be stuck with a machine they can't use for much because nobody understands it but you, and you don't have time. Talking to the person for two hours and you're already losing money. Unless you charge them for support, in which case Dell is the better choice for them.

Processor:	Dual Xeon 5506
Motherboard:	Asus Z8NA-D6
Cooling:	2x Thermalright HR-01 X/passive
Memory:	6GB Corsair something
Video Card:	EVGA GTX 260 Core 216
Hard Disk:	None
Optical Drive:	None
CRT/LCD Model:	24" Asus
Case:	Thermaltake Swing
Sound Card:	Onboard
PSU:	620W CM
Software:	Win2k8

Jan 21, 2009, 07:46 PM	#21
DanTheBanjoman Señor Moderator Join Date: May 2004 Location: Utrecht, Utrecht, The kingdom of the Netherlands Posts: 8,498 (2.56/day) Thanks: 41 Thanked 1,453 Times in 1,077 Posts System Specs	What I'd install? Completely irrelevant. Though the customers hear things, read things, see things on TV. They'll be wanting to download music for instance, but the program they get from their grandson doesn't work on Linux. The kid doesn't know Linux so they have to ask the place they bought the machine. Since explaining these people things takes time it'll mean you'll be losing money. In fact, about every small change/wish comes back to your doorstep as they can't ask the smart grandson. Thinking random people can use Ubuntu is ignorant.

Jan 21, 2009, 07:55 PM	#22
PVTCaboose1337 Graphical Hacker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 7,478 (2.78/day) Thanks: 798 Thanked 1,174 Times in 834 Posts System Specs	My build idea: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822135106 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813186155 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231055 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103647 __________________ CPU-Z validation sig pics temporarily blocked

System Name:	Whim
Processor:	Intel Core i5 2500k @ 4.4ghz
Motherboard:	Gigabyte P67A-D3-B3
Cooling:	Cooler Master Hyper 212+
Memory:	2 x 4GB G.Skill Ripjaws @ 1600mhz
Video Card:	Gigabyte GTX 670 2gb
Hard Disk:	WD 640gb Black (Main), WD 2tb Black (Secondary)
Optical Drive:	LG DVD-RW Drive
CRT/LCD Model:	Asus VE228 and Samsung 2053BW
Case:	Cooler Master 430 Elite
Sound Card:	Onboard > PA2V2 Amp > Senn 595's
PSU:	Seasonic 650w
Software:	Windows 7 Ultimate (Tweaked)

Jan 21, 2009, 08:01 PM	#23
CJCerny Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Akron, OH Posts: 765 (0.46/day) Thanks: 2 Thanked 213 Times in 178 Posts	Dead in the water without phone support. Seniors grew up with the phone and the idea that you call someone when you need help. I don't think email support is going to fly with them.

Processor:	Intel 3570k
Motherboard:	AsRock Pro4M
Memory:	8gb
Video Card:	Zotac Nvidia 650Ti
Hard Disk:	60gb OCZ Agility 3
Optical Drive:	DVD Burner

Jan 22, 2009, 04:40 AM	#25
Flyordie Banned Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 1,496 (0.88/day) Thanks: 101 Thanked 249 Times in 219 Posts System Specs	I could build a small linux box for a bit cheaper... CPU- $19.99 (AMD Sempron AM2) RAM-$9 (1GB) Mainboard- $49.99 (AM2+ Board, you never kno..) CRT 17" Monitor $10.00 (a local school has 30-40 sitting in a spare room) and has them for sale.. Power supply- $27 (Antec Basiq 350W, a Fortron built PSU) Case- $35 ---- $152 $100 for Support, Warranty Service, E-Mail Support ---- (Optional) Telephone Support- $50 On-Site Support- $40 based on times needed (excludes Warranty Service).