It is worth noting that this document primarily looks at lower priced linux computers. I am not trying to knock anyone who wants to sell expensive computers, but rather, draw attention to the fact that there are vendors who can provide low prices on linux computers built from quality components.
Most home users want a computer that can compete on price/performance with a Dell Dimension, not a Dell precision workstation. If a windows newbie asked me for advice about buying a computer , you can bet that I would not say "precision workstation". So if some of the linux hardware dealers want to sell high end models, that's cool. But this discourse is targetted at people for whom a Precision workstation or its linux equivalent would be a waste of money.
| Advanced Systems Labs | A vendor who have been around for some time. Since they don't advertise on Slashdot, they are not as widely mentioned as VAResearch or Penguin, but establish a quite, reassuring presence at events such as the recent linux expo. These guys have pretty good prices. |
| The computer Gallery | These guys aren't a "pure" linux shop, they do windows as well. Little is known about them ( including warranty info unfortunately ). They offer a lot of configuration options. |
| Dell | The guys who barely even need an introduction. Known for providing good service to windows users, these guys are slowly bringing linux into their list of options. However, the main reason I have them here is as a point of reference to compare the other guys to. |
| Linux Hardware Solutions | Linux hardware solutions is a shop that prides itself on high standards on quality control and customer service. LHS targets the customer who is willing to pay a modest premium for five star service. LHS will sell you a quality system tailored to your needs. |
| OEM computers | THese guys are a windows/linux shop, and only appear to offer Caldera. An unknown quantity ( but one with a decent warranty and low prices ) |
| Penguin Computing | Touting their machines as "the worlds most reliable linux systems", these guys run Slashdot adverts, so are well heard of. Not terribly cheap, but provide good warranty, and are one of the better known dealers of the linux shops. |
| SW Technology | A humble linux shop which has received good reviews from some of my friends who are satisfied customers. |
| TCU inc | I am just about to receive a computer from these guys. Very flexible regarding configuration options available ( they can basically ship anything , even if it's not on their site ) , and commited to Linux. Insanely low prices. |
| Vendor | Model | CPU | HD | Video | MB | Mem | Sound | Eth | ZIP ? | Speakers ? | CD | Warranty | PRICE |
| Aslab | ProXa | P350 | 10G 7200 IBM | Matrox Millenium G200 8M | Asus P2F | 128 | Creative PCI128 | Integrated 10/100 | Int IDE | No | 40X UDMA | 1yr | 1505 |
| The Computer Gallery | Custom | P350 | 10G 7200 IBM | Matrox Millenium G200 8M | Asus P2B | 128 | Creative AWE64 | No | Insider | Yes | 32X UDMA | ? | 1462 |
| Dell | XPS R | P400 | 8.4G UDMA | STB NVidia 16MB TNT AGP | Intel SE440BX ? (my guess) | 128 | No | No | Yes | No | 32X UDMA | 3yrs | 1513 |
| Linux Hardware Solutions | PS350W 100 | P350 | 8.4G UDMA | Diaomond Viper V550 TNT AGP | ASUS P2B | 128 | No | No | No | No | 32X | ? | 1598 |
| Oem computers | PII | P350 | 10G 7200 IBM | Matrox Millenium G200 8M | ABIT BX6 R2i440 | 128 | SB 16 | No | yes | Yes | 32X EIDE | 2yrs | 1319 |
| Penguin | PII IDE | P350 | 10G 7200 IBM | Matrox Mill G200 | Supermicro
Single CPU |
128 | SB 64 | Intel 10/100 | No | no | 50x IDE | 2yrs | 1400 |
| SWT | Pentium IDE | P350 | 10G 7200 IBM | Matrox Millenium G200 8M | Asus P2B | 128 | Creative AWE64 | No | internal | Yes | 32XEIDE | 2yrs | 1552 |
| TCU-inc | Custom quote | P350 | 10G 7200 IBM | Dimand Viper 550 16M AGP | Intel SE 440BX | 128 | Creative AWE64 | No | internal | no | 40x IDE | 1yr | 1220 |
Notes: