Lunch @ Pieros 2006

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Lunch @ Pieros 2006

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Brian Kristensen
Brad

Jan. 5, 2006

Specifications

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Linspire

Linspire is a user-friendly Linux operating system. They were showing off two computer systems from two companies that come installed with the Linspire OS. The first machine was of the Koobox line from the PC seller Mirus. The Koobox computers are aimed towards general computer users who don't have the need for a beefy system or are simply on a budget. Prices range from $299 for an AMD Sempron 2800+ system with 256MB memory to $499 for an Athlon 64 3000+ with 512MB memory and a 160GB hard drive. They have a new machine, the "Dual-Boot' Koobox, which sports an Athlon 64 4600+, GeForce 6600 GT and has both Windows XP and Linspire installed on separate partitions.

The second machine at the Linspire booth was the Linspire mini, a 2.8 pound PC with a Pentium M 740, up to 512MB memory, an 80GB hard drive and a slot-loading DVD combo drive. They were calling this tiny computer a Mac Mini killer! we'll see.

The Linspire OS itself is touted as "the world's easiest desktop Linux." While I haven't had a chance to get fully acquainted with Linspire, the OS does look sleek and the OS should be easy enough for most Windows users to use. One of the most impressive features of Linspire is the CNR software library which contains over 2,000 programs that can be instantly downloaded and installed. The price of the OS is also half that of Windows XP Home Edition, making it a great option for public schools and people on a budget. The representative at Pieros was kind enough to hook me up with a free copy of their latest version so I'll have to do some more in-depth testing when I get the time.

NetMax

NetMax was demonstrating WebVAULT, their "Smart Professional Digital Filing Station." The WebVAULT connects to your home or office network, behind or in front of a firewall, and gives you online access to the files on your computer. The WebVAULT allows you to synchronize and share files with smart phones and PDAs as well as other computers as long as you have internet access. This is a nifty way to get the files and media on your home or work computer while on the go, but it does require that you have a static IP address.

Sennheiser

Sennheiser was showing off their CX 300 stereo ear-canal headphones as well as the BW 900 Bluetooth office headset with "adaptive intelligence." They also had the HD 205 and 415 headphones and the PMX 100 and 200 headphones. While I didn't care to stick the CX 300 in my ears, I did listen to the HD 205 and both PMX headphones. As expected, the quality was excellent and the HD 205 headphones had exceptional lows. Sennheiser is also showing off some other products at their booth in the CES showfloor, so be sure to check out our continuing CES coverage in the next couple of days.

TelEvolution

The PhoneGnome is a new voice technology product by TelEvolution. The PhoneGnome installs between a regular phone line and any broadband connection. Users can then make internet and PSTN phone calls from the same phone and benefit from free calling between PhoneGnome users. However, after checking out the new Skype phone from Netgear at the Pepcom Digital Experience (check our continuing coverage of CES), the PhoneGnome just doesn't seem like such a good option. Both products allow free voice calling to users on the respective networks, but since Skype already has such a huge following, it will be hard for products like PhoneGnome to compete.

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Page 1: Introduction, Chili Systems and DualCor
Page 2: Global Cache, HUSH, iTuner and CMWare
Page 3: Linspire, NetMax, Sennheiser and TelEvolution
Page 4: VIA, ZVOX and Maxan

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