Shuttle Launches $199 KPC

The low-cost system uses minimalist hardware and a free distribution of Linux to cut back on cost, but not quite to the $99 originally expected.

The so-called $99 PC that manufacturer Shuttle hyped up back in February finally began shipping on Monday, but not for the originally cited price point many expected. The stripped-down KPC, which ditches Windows in favor of Linux to save on cost, now sells for $199, the same cost as Everex’s similar gPC.

In its most basic form, the KPC runs an Intel Celeron processor clocked at 1.8GHz alongside 512MB of RAM and an integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics accelerator. It also offers an 80GB hard drive and high-def 5.1 channel surround. The processor, memory and drive size can all be upgraded by ordering a customized KPC – although only the prebuilt $199 versions hit availability Monday.

Shuttle chose Foresight Linux to stand in for Windows on the machine, a version of Linux that brands itself a user-focused distribution with no need for a Linux background. Much like gOS, the Linux distribution used by Everex, it includes a host of free software including OpenOffice, Firefox, Pidgin, as well as an open-source movie player, music player, and photo organizer.

The KPC also features a front panel like a photo frame, allowing users to customize the look of the box by adding their own graphics under the plastic.

The first KPCs will be available through Newegg, although Everex’s link to buy the product from the site has not yet gone live at the time of writing.