A few years ago, we wouldn't have been able to believe anyone could get a PC for $500. Now, you may be able to get a system, without monitor of course, for as low as $200. These PC's aren't exactly powerhouses, and they don't come installed with Windows (a blessing for some), but they might just be an excellent resource for a company on a tight budget. CNET has the story.

The PCs don't have Windows preinstalled but rely on software from several companies, including Lindows, that use the open-source Linux operating system, which can be used as an alternative to Microsoft's Windows. Dropping Windows is part of the reason why manufacturers can sell the PCs so cheaply.

 

"There really is a change in the mind-set of the market," said Richard Brown, associate vice president of the Taiwan-based VIA. "People feel less compelled to replace their current PC with a faster one, because they feel comfortable with the performance on their current applications."