There's nothing more appealing to the consumer than a cheap and (maybe) decent PC system. The ultra-mobile sector has been invaded by ultra-low-cost sub-notebooks, such as the XO, Asustek's Eee PC and so on, and it's time for the desktop PCs to release their low-cost alternatives.

The low-cost desktop PC market is dominated by two major players that are currently offering sub-$200 desktop PC configurations: Everex with their gPC and the newcomer Mirus Innovations with the Shuttle PC desktop system. The desktop PC is available immediately for $199 and can be purchased through the Sears online shop.

"Our system builders have been forging new ground in the low-end Linux PC market for over 5 years now," said Larry Kettler, President and CEO of Linspire, Inc. "This latest system from Mirus Innovations is the most robust hardware and software configuration, and offers the best value for under $200 to date."

Linux is becoming more and more popular among the low-cost PC users, since the vast majority of its forks are open-source and would help the computer ship at lower costs than when using proprietary software. The $199 computer is the first Linux-based computer that comes pre-installed with the new CNR client, the free, one-click software delivery service.

"Mirus Innovations is excited to offer this unprecedented value," said Joe Toste, VP of Sales and Marketing. "During our 4-year partnership with Linspire, Mirus and Linspire have consistently offered some of the best computer bundles of hardware and software to consumers and businesses. Moreover, these customers show the highest satisfaction with their purchases as well-- a testimony to the quality and value of the Linspire software. We are proud to be participating in the growing success of Linux on the desktop."

The system features a (let's face it, obsolete) 1.6GHz Intel Celeron 420 processor, 1 GB of RAM, 80GB hard drive, a CD-RW drive (a DVD-RW unit can be added at a later time), 56k modem, an Ethernet jack and a 15-in-1 multicard reader. The company offers as a bonus a set of speakers, a keyboard and a mouse, as well as the Freespire 2.0 Linux distribution.