Details on the Norhtec Gecko Low-Cost, Linux-Based Notebook

When the news of the Norhtec Gecko—another entry into the rapidly expanding low-cost notebook space—came across the wire this morning, we knew we had to dig deeper for the nitty-gritty on this PC. We dropped a line to the parent company and got some juicy info on this notebook.

• Linpus Linux runs under the hood, but the system is capable of supporting Windows, other versions of Linux, BSD, and other x86-based operating systems
• Rocks a 7-inch TFT LCD; 800 x 480-pixel resolution with LED backlight
• Firefox, Thunderbird, Skype (which works with the integrated webcam) and Open Office come preinstalled; it will also include a media player, photo viewer, drawing package, and educational software
• Sports a Via VX800U processor; battery life is rated at 3 hours
• System can be configured with 256MB to 1GB of RAM
• 1GB, 2GB, 4GB SSD; or 40GB HDD
• 3-in-1 SD/MMC/SDIO Card reader
• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• Ports include two USB 2.0, line-out, mic-in, VGA
• Stereo speakers

The Norhtec Gecko’s target market is customers looking to buy 100 units at a time (such as the education sector), but single units will also be sold. The Gecko starts shipping April 24th for $225 (when purchased in quantities of 100) or $300 for a lone unit. Stay tuned for more details.