"Built for PC-BSD"

[Cassius]

First off...
Let me thank everyone behind this project!

This was the long awaited fix to the "gap" in the computing world.
While technically inclined users stuck to the *NIXes, the average user was left with easy to use but not as stable OS. Or a stable OS on an expensive platform.

A writer who sits down to write the latest masterpiece shouldn't be bothered by little nuances in the OS or the software being used.
A poet shouldn't be pulled away from his or her dream to pay attention to a config tweak.
And an artist shouldn't be distracted by which library to upgrade before installing their favourite design program.
Everyone needs and deserves a stable and easy to use operating regardless of technical capabilities!

It's heartbreaking to read some of the discussion lists about *NIX complaining about how easy to use everything has become.

That's bad?!

No! It's the future!

It's infuriating to read about how people who can't install an OS "can't read". Or about how "it's not ment to be" this or that. An OS is ment to be a tool. And like any tool it must be tough and easy to use! It's no wonder then, with attitudes like that, why so many admins get a reputation for being a "Facist" in some circles. And it's no wonder why so many users have to stick to OS's that are easy to use, but fall apart regularly.

So thank you for finally bringing this to the world!


Now that that's done.... ;)

I was wondering about the feasibility of shipping out a PC, ready built for PC-BSD.
"Designed for PC-BSD" if you will, like Microsoft does with those ubiquitous stickers on systems.

I wasn't thinking of the niche of custom PC's. More like a general purpose "terminal" like device.

Here's what I had in mind :
I saw this Java Development tool (JBox (http://www.mini-itx.com/news/84530138))
I think a similar platform would be perfect for first PC users or an extra system for the growing kid in the house or student going off to university.
A small tower with a decent set of connectors ( Gigabit ethernet, firewire, USB etc.. )
It would contain all the essentials and nothing more.

OpenOffice perhaps
A decent browser or two
Mail and IRC client
And that's pretty much it.

This type of venture would be absolutely perfect for families who can't afford a brand new system with all the bells and whistles, since some of the cost is usually the OS and peripheral software ( Almost always Microsoft for family PCs ) that cost can be added into providing better hardware ( Bigger flatscreens / DVD-RW etc... ).

The Mini-ITX might be the extreme of it, but a Micro-ATX with matching small chassis could also work.
But I think the smaller the system the better. I remember never having enough room in my dormitory!
And laptops are just plain expensive.

If someone already has a Laptop, it'll be a perfect match with the two.
Take notes in class on the laptop to come home and write your thesis on the BSD system. Both can run the same OS.




OK... So I'm shooting high here, but if anyone has any interest in this, I'd be glad to help out. I don't know much about software, but I know sales and I know how to get the word out. :D

I know there's a demand for something like this!

[1000k]

You mean something like a Mac Mini? Selling a pre-configured PC-BSD system in a small, transportable box?

Yeah, it could work, I would be happy to see such PC's in supermarkets :lol:
I always see expensive middle-towers and laptops... A small, cheap, PC-BSD powered box could have some success.

Well, in fact, it requires a huge structure beyond : a company to sell it, people to build it, partnership with hardware manufacturers, maketing people :lol:

If it's possible, great :wink: As soon as PC-BSD is ready 8)

To be seriouly accomplished worldwide, though, it would need to be Microsoft(TM)BSD :)

[Cassius]

You mean something like a Mac Mini? Selling a pre-configured PC-BSD system in a small, transportable box?
HAHAHAHAHA!
That's it exactly! Except for the "dinky-ness" of the Mac Mini. Something cool, but not something from the movie "THX 1138" :P .

Yeah, it could work, I would be happy to see such PC's in supermarkets :lol:
I always see expensive middle-towers and laptops... A small, cheap, PC-BSD powered box could have some success.
More than just some success...
I live here in the U.S. now and see more and more families migrating North.
A lot of these people are hardworking and want a better future for their children. That includes a good education and some minor luxuries to keep them happy. This kind of "gadget" would be a Godsend to a lot of people.

In fact...
To be seriouly accomplished worldwide, though, it would need to be Microsoft(TM)BSD :)... Exactly why this type of tool is desparately needed.
Can you picture shipping a thousand Microsoft boxes to a small town school in Uganda?
Think of the expense!
The price alone should warrent a better deal. This thing could sell itself!


Well, in fact, it requires a huge structure beyond : a company to sell it, people to build it, partnership with hardware manufacturers, maketing people :lol:
I got the last one covered ;)
No arguments there; I know it will be very difficult. But everything has to start somewhere. I can seriously picture sales to small electronics stores, then moving on to RadioShack and Sears etc...
The rest will follow :P
Fortunately there are good hardware and manufacturing people using Ghostnetworks, so we'll see what we can do by putting our minds together.

[munkymonkjr]

i say start partnerships with small scale builders like iBuypower, Cyberpower, geared2play and mwave. that would release just enough copies for magazines to take notice and write a review. if all goes well the review should scare apple to run for it's money with the mini.