Energy-efficient Linux desktop from Everex priced at just $198, TC2502 Green gPC, was launched at WalMart retail stores day before yesterday. It runs on a 1.5GHz Via C7-D processor and comes with 512MB of RAM, an 80GB hard drive, a DVD player, and an Ethernet port. This price is not inclusive of a monitor.

The next step is going to be releasing Linux laptops that will have 12.1-inch to 17-inch screens and would run on GOS version of OS, built with Ubuntu Linux 7.10. It will include icons providing one-click access to Web sites like Facebook and multiple Google Web applications. They are planning to price it starting from $300. This is Real

Everex also has plans to introduce other mobile devices like ultramobile PCs. The Linux notebooks will be introduced in the first half of next year. The company provided no additional details, other than saying the mobile devices will be competitively priced.

Bigger section of buyers seeking to buy $198 Desktops, will not know Linux. Windows have spoiled the low cost computer market. Thats a problem.

As reported on Infoworld.com, Everex has studied the Lindows and Microtel PCs and is confident its $198 PC will succeed. GOS Linux brings familiar Google icons and applications to users, which earlier PCs didn’t have, Everex’s Kim said.

With its Google-friendly interface, this PC is a good test for Google OS, if rumors of one being under development is true, Paterson said. “It’s a perfect way to launch Google OS in a mistake-OK world,” Paterson said.

The Everex TC2502 Green gPC desktop will be available in about 600 stores on a test basis, a Wal-Mart spokesperson said in an e-mail statement.