On Sears.com and Wal-Mart.com -- two sites that sell cheap Linux-based PCs -- potential buyers post questions like, "Which version of Windows does this have?" and "Can I run Windows applications on this?" While either the Mirus SITLC420 or the Everex gPC TC2502 might be an option for technically savvy people who want to dabble in Linux, these machines are very poor choices for the folks the two stores usually cater to.

That's because, despite the rock-bottom prices, neither PC qualifies as a bargain. They use lowest-of-the-low-end components--you're essentially paying fair prices for inferior products.

But more important, while the gPC has a slightly easier-to-use version of Linux than the Mirus does, I found both Linuxes to be extremely cumbersome (and I've experimented with Linux distributions before). If you aren't a die-hard Linux fan, these PCs aren't for you.

The Mirus SITLC420 we evaluated comes with a 1.6-GHz Intel Celeron 420 processor, 1GB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, a CD-RW drive, and the FreeSpire Linux operating system, which is based on a version of Ubuntu Linux. It costs $300 at Sears.com (online only); a $100 rebate is available through Mirus, though Mirus says to allow three to four months for the check.

The $199 Everex gPC TC2502 is sold by retailers such as Wal-Mart; it's available online and at brick-and-mortar stores. The Everex isn't as well equipped as the Mirus; it has a 1.5-GHz Via C7-D processor, 512MB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, and a CD-RW/DVD-ROM drive. It runs a version of Linux called the gOS, which is based on Ubuntu, as well.

Both PCs have two front-mounted USB ports, and microphone and headphone ports; the Mirus has several media card slots too, hidden behind a small spring-loaded panel. Both have integrated 10/100 ethernet, and the Mirus has a 56-kbps modem.

Both rely on integrated graphics and VGA monitor connections (though the gPC ships with a DVI cable, for some reason). Neither PC includes a bundled monitor, of course. And both systems come with very similar, very bad speakers.

The keyboard and mouse that accompany the gPC are marginal, but the Mirus system's are so bad I felt like stabbing them with a screwdriver after a while. The Mirus's keyboard keys are so mushy that you must hammer on them, and the spacebar is oddly tilted--to make it work properly, I had to reach forward with my thumb before pressing it.

Letter keys on the Mirus keyboard stopped responding at one point, so I started pressing keys at random. The Sleep key still worked, but when I pressed the Wake Up key, the PC asked for a password, even though I hadn't set one up yet. Eventually I had to reboot.

Because these PCs run Linux, not Windows, we couldn't run our WorldBench 6 Beta 2 test suite on them. The Mirus system appeared reasonably quick running apps like the ThinkFree office suite, but the gPC seemed a bit lethargic.

Only If You Love Linux

I connected each PC to a 19-inch wide-screen monitor; the gPC recognized it immediately, and automatically configured it to the proper, 1440-by-900 resolution. The FreeSpire OS on the Mirus system, however, set the monitor at 1024-by-768 resolution; by unchecking 'show recommended settings only' and acknowledging an ominous warning message about display damage, I was able to choose 1440-by-1050 resolution--but this caused a distorted image. I reverted to the former, albeit nonnative, resolution for my tests.

One of FreeSpire's claims to fame is its integration with CNR.com, an online repository of free and paid Linux software; the site's main benefit is that you merely have to click a button to install something, rather than having to hassle with typing command-line code. But the first day I used the PC, I couldn't get CNR to install any apps at all. The second day, I was able to get some to install, but others--including ones that would have allowed me to use HP printers around our office--would not download or install. FreeSpire comes preloaded with an instant messaging client and Samba (a program for sharing files with Windows PCs).

The gOS, in comparison, is much friendlier than FreeSpire, despite their common origins. The most obvious difference is a Mac OS-like toolbar at the bottom of the gOS screen; the icons even grow as you mouse over them, as on the Mac. Icons linking to Google's Web applications, including Google Docs, GoogleTalk, and Blogger, dominate the toolbar and the applications menu, but the OS has no ties to Google--apparently, it's just an homage.

Neither system came with any printed manuals or documentation other than basic setup posters. Both have one-year warranties, and Everex offers toll-free, 24/7 tech support; Mirus offers only the most basic of online forms for tech support--you can't call the company.

True, a huge Linux community online is waiting to help even beginners, but if all you know is Windows-like clicking and dragging, all the assistance in the world won't make slogging through command-line entries seem easy. If your budget's tight, I'd recommend waiting for a deal on a PC that costs a bit more--and that runs Windows.

Editor's note: For links to reviews of other inexpensive PCs--both desktops and laptops--see "The Best Bargain PCs."