$299 PC launches in Oregon

A US company has launched a sub $299 computer in the technology hotbed of Portland, Oregon.

MyTurn.com started selling the GlobalPC at the weekend, and plans to expand sales to three other US cities - Indianapolis, Minneapolis and Tampa - next week.

The machine is cheap for two reasons: it has no monitor, and it uses non-Microsoft software. It comes with the GEOS operating system, which is made by Geoworks and is also used in the Nokia Communicator line of smart phones. The GlobalPC can be used with any monitor or TV.

The machine is aimed specifically at first time home PC customers. Outlets where it will be sold include Wal-Mart, Fred Meyer, Babbage's and Electronics Boutique. The company is planning to have the PCs on store shelves throughout the US by the end of the year.

"The GlobalPC should appeal to the 50 per cent of US households without PCs, as well as the millions of other users who have looked forward to a true consumer-oriented PC," said Michael Fuchs, MyTurn.com interim CEO.

More information on GlobalPC can be found here". Raging Bull has got pics on its site. ®