OStatic

Back in October, we covered the Linux-based EVO gaming console from Envizions Computer Entertainment.? Then, it was slated to arrive in November, but was delayed, and there was some skepticism about whether it would ever arrive. Now, Envizions has announced that developers, resellers, earlier adopters and potential software partners can purchase EVO beta units, which will ship on April 10th. There are 100 beta units in stock, for sale at $279 to $350, depending on who buys them. The retail price is slated to be $379 after April 17th, which seems a little high for a fledgling console. Here are more details.

Last month I wrote about the EVO Linux-based gaming console. The term gaming console seemed a bit misleading to me at the time -- it is ultimately where parent company Envizions Computer Entertainment would like the EVO to be -- but it is an early adopter system in the truest sense of the phrase.

The EVO Smart Console was originally scheduled for release on November 18th. It seems the FCC approval and testing process is taking longer than planned. Envizions expects the consoles to ship in the next two weeks. There are also two versions (in four configurations) available. Two versions? You guessed it -- Linux and Windows.

A few days ago, Kristin covered Envizions Computer Entertainment's announcement that it will deliver its EVO Linux-based gaming console on November 18th. She predicted that the announcment would probably stoke the long-standing fire surrounding whether Linux can ever be a viable gaming platform, and indeed it did. Many readers responded saying that there is no future for a Linux gaming console. The model that Nintendo followed with the Wii, though, may argue otherwise.