Everex Mini to Compete with Mac mini

Everex's newest open-source PC draws upon the Mac mini for inspiration, but offers a lower price by ditching conventional software packages.

After making waves with its $200 open-source gPC and again with the CloudBook, a $399 notebook, Everex has again set its sights on a new market with the introduction of the Everex Mini. Styled unmistakably close to the Mac mini, the Everex Mini will attempt to undercut similar offers by replacing proprietary software with free or open-source equivalents.

Inside the Mini’s tiny case, it packs a 1.86GHZ Intel Pentium Dual Core T2130 processor along with 512MB of DDR667 memory and an Intel GMA950 graphics accelerator, specs similar to but not quite in line with Apple’s low-end $599 Mac mini. The machine includes DVI-I and S-video out ports, along with 4 USB ports, an Ethernet connector, 4-in-1 card reader, and audio in and out ports.

The included gOS operating system, a modified version of Ubuntu Linux, includes Web essentials including Firefox, Skype, and Xing Movie Player. Other applications such as GIMP and OpenOffice stand in for paid packages such as Photoshop and Microsoft Office, respectively.

The Everex Mini will go on sale through Newegg.com on March 1, priced at $499.