The imaginatively titled Newcastle-based Broadband Computer Company (BCC) has launched a new linux-based Laptop called Alex, which runs software that has been specifically designed for novice first-time users. It's a highly simplified setup and can even be purchased with a bundled broadband connection.

There are a number of different subscription offers but the main one appears to charge £399 for the laptop (can be purchased separately too) and £24.99 per month for a Murphx supplied broadband service. Details for the laptop are as follows, though we couldn’t find much information on the broadband service (usage allowance, speeds etc.).

Clevo M760T Laptop
- CPU Intel® Celeron processor T1600
- Core logic Intel® GM45 + ICH9M
- Display 15.4” WXGA (1280X800) TFT LCD
- Memory 1Gb RAM
- Video controller Intel GMA 4500MHD
- Storage 120Gb Hard disk drive
- Built-in 10/100/1000 MB Base-TX Ethernet LAN
- Wireless LAN AzureWave – AW –GU701
- 1.3M pixels Video camera with USB interface
- 6 cells Smart Lithium-Ion battery pack 4000mAh /
- DVD+/-RW

In terms of raw pricing the package does not seem terribly attractive and it's possible to get both a better laptop and broadband connection for considerably less. However this would not come with Alex's unique software and its novice focused selling point.

There is also an issue of whether Alex's software is an effective way of getting first-time computer users into the modern online world. Its User Interface (UI) is very different from the latest MAC and Windows OS software, which are arguably a lot easier to use today than they were before. It would be hard to jump from Alex onto a mainstream computer.

Similarly there are plenty of other FREE linux distributions that promise similar things to Alex, such as the excellent Intel backed MOBLIN for Netbooks with Atom CPU's; though MOBLIN lacks the marketing push behind Alex and requires some technical knowledge to setup.