A Tentative Google PC

Inexpensive computers go hand in hand with the vision of moving applications online. After all, if you spend most of your time inside a browser, you don't need a very powerful computer.

Everex gPC TC2502 has a 1.5 GHz processor, 512 MB of memory and an 80 GB hard drive. It runs a modified version of Ubuntu, called gOS, and comes with free applications like Firefox and easy access to many Google services: Search, Calendar, Docs, Blogger, YouTube. "Imagine a gorgeous desktop that just works. All the web, media, and office software you'll need is included. Imagine an OS with easy access to the best of Google Apps and products, and other popular Web 2.0 applications." It will be available in the US at Wal-Mart for only $199.

According to DesktopLinux, Everex claims the computer was "created as a conceptual Google PC with a conceptual Google OS" and it has Google's permission to use its trademarks. The g from gOS and gPC means "green", as the computer uses an energy-efficient processor, but many people will associate it with Google.

The idea of a Google PC is not new and Google dismissed it in many occasions, but that doesn't stop Google from having distribution deals for its software with computer manufacturers like Dell. As web applications and browsers become more powerful and Internet becomes ubiquitous, the transition to the online software will seem natural.