Computers outranked peace and happiness for the most desired gift this year in an annual U.S. survey by the consumer electronics industry’s largest trade organization.
PC vendors are happy to oblige. They have come out with desktops and laptops to cover a gamut of needs, budgets and styles. There are souped-up machines for gamers, attractive space-saving all-in-ones for home offices or kitchens, simple low-cost laptops for youths and pricey ultra-lightweight notebooks for those seeking flair and function.
More than ever, alternatives to computers running Microsoft Corp.’s long-dominant Windows operating system are also hitting the market.
A sampling of the offerings this holiday season:
Everex TC2502 gPC
The gPC stands out from the crowd like a man wearing sandals at cocktail party — it’s cheap and it’s different. It’s a simple desktop computer that eschews Windows in favor of Linux, the alternative operating system that’s widely used by information technology professionals but has struggled for years to gain acceptance in desktops. The gPC is the first Linux computer to be sold in Wal-Mart stores (though only some of them), giving Linux another shot at the mainstream. It’s designed to be easy to use and focuses on Google’s Web services like Gmail and YouTube. But like some earlier Linux computers, it uncomfortably straddles two worlds: it’s a low-end box for computer novices, yet considerable expertise is needed to get the most out of the software. (MSRP: $199; EU135 without monitor)
Apple iMac
The reasons for not buying a Mac are running out. The iMac is fast, well equipped and very easy to use. It even runs Windows if you need it to. One look at the latest iMac shows you how much the line has grown up: the cutesy look of the earlier iMacs has been replaced with a chilly and professional aluminum chassis. The iMac is perfect as…