Dell to sell consumer PCs with Ubuntu

sheesh721 · May 1, 2007

Dell Picks Ubuntu Linux For Consumer PCs

Desktops and notebooks with the open source operating system will be released in the coming weeks, according to a Dell spokesman.

By Antone Gonsalves, InformationWeek
May 1, 2007
URL: http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=199203001

Dell on Tuesday said that it would sell consumer desktops and notebooks with Ubuntu Linux in the "coming weeks," taking the open source operating system to the mainstream consumer.

The computer maker said last month that it would offer Linux in consumer PCs, but had yet to chose a flavor. In opting to offer Linux as an alternative to Windows, Dell is responding to strong customer demand for the machines on the company's online sounding board, IdeaStorm.

"We will offer select consumer desktop and notebook products with Ubuntu 7.04 in the coming weeks," a Dell spokesman said in an e-mail.

Dell has declined to discuss configurations, so it's not known whether it would offer a desktop or notebook at a price lower than PCs running Microsoft Windows. Dell could also opt to sell higher-end Linux machines that would appeal to tech enthusiasts.

Whatever the price range, Dell will have to be sure to spell out what the systems can do and who's best suited for such a machine. Selling the computers to mainstream consumers unaccustomed to a non-Windows system could lead to some major support headaches. "They'll have to be very clear in the marketing of the system," said Richard Shim, analyst for IDC.

In general, however, consumers are expected to stay clear of Linux, which could prove challenging for less-savvy computer users. Among the problems associated with the OS is the lack of drivers for some peripherals. In addition, many popular Windows applications are unavailable on Linux. "They're bound to have some headaches," Shim said of Dell support. "It's just to what degree."

Ubuntu 7.04, code-named Feisty Fawn, is the latest release of the operating system that's considered among the most consumer-friendly Linux distributions. A community of open source developers that formed three years ago is responsible for the OS.

At least half of the Linux fans who participated in an IdeaStorm survey, said they wanted Dell to ship free, open source software with the operating system and drivers available under the GNU General Public License, which also covers Linux.

Dell won't say which software it plans to ship with the machines, but it has said it's committed to using open source drivers whenever possible. Drivers that already ship with the Linux kernel, such as those for storage, wired networking, power management, and USB ports, won't be a problem. In cases where there's a choice between proprietary and open source, such as in wireless network adapters and printers, Dell will go with the latter. There will be exceptions, however, such as 3-D drivers for video cards, for which Dell has decided to provide proprietary versions. In those cases, it comes down to what works best.

Dell won't say whether it will offer hardware-only support with the Linux PCs, but it has been quick to point out how much Linux support is available online through the open source community. Dell, which sells preinstalled Linux servers, has on its site forums for system administrators, as well as for Linux hobbyists.
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This is absolutely amazing. Dell finally shipping consumer PCs with Linux operating systems. Finally Microsoft has some competition. This is an outstanding move by Dell. I can't imagine the type of support they'd give for Ubuntu if at all, but this is a great introduce to Linux for the average consumer and Dell is a great outlet to get it out.

Major Attitude · May 1, 2007

Would love to be on their support phones listening as they explain driver updates and why Tux Racer is cool

sheesh721 · May 1, 2007

Major Attitude said: ↑

Would love to be on their support phones listening as they explain driver updates and why Tux Racer is cool
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Yea I would love to get the phone call "My Windows are gone!!" as someone screws up their Gnome gui. I can't imagine troubleshooting Ubuntu with mainstream users. I'd rather pluck my eye out with a blunt spoon.

Colemanguy · May 1, 2007

Well actualy with ssh, i think troubleshooting might be easier, mostly just because near everything is contained in simple text files which you can edit with ssh. Could be interesting.

BCGray · May 2, 2007

I for one think this is great news, finally a "New/Old" OS with a major Manufactors support..........Hey IBM's support made MS, hopefully Dell's support will make Linux.............Timing couldn't be better, with MS canning XP, and trying to force us to "Vista":clap :hyper :celebrate

mulletgut · May 2, 2007

PC maker Dell Inc. said on its Web site Thursday it will once again let home PC buyers choose between Microsoft Corp.'s older operating system and Windows Vista when they purchase certain new machines
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They are also offering XP again too.

sheesh721 · May 2, 2007

mulletgut said: ↑

They are also offering XP again too.
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Yes, but I believe Microsoft is threatening to do away with OEM XP versions very soon to combat that.

Major Attitude · May 2, 2007

Hey, I think Microsoft needs competition, there are 2 problems:

1: Windows users, in general, will have a hard time with Linux. Yes, it has its ups and downs, but editing text files? Average user does not know how to do that, nor cut and paste. I have tried to teach them while standing over their sholder, not fun. Linux has too many versions. Ubuntu is good, but has Dell picked the best distro? Time will tell. Like Mac, hardware is limited, gaming will be OpenGL, a standard that, while not dead, was crushed by DirectX, something that suprises me even today. MS wont allow DirectX on Linux, but maybe OpenGL can make a comeback, who knows? In the meantime, you can forget games, Mac has more games then Linux. Other software is similiar, limited choices. Odds are Dell will start bundling Linux apps (like they do know with Win apps) that you have to buy after 30 days, something that is not Linux friendly.

2: Macintosh costs too much. I know plenty of users who considered a switch. Until they saw the price tag, limited hardware, software, etc. Since Apple has deleyed the next OS release, we can all be rest assured that OSX has taken a back seat to the iPhone, MacTV and the 500 versions of IPod. They are making so much money now that you try telling the stockholders the iPhone will be delayed because the next OS is taking longer then expected. Don't fool yourself, Apple is every bit as corporate as Microsoft and the bottom line decides how much time and money is spent on the OS. Too bad, you would have thought those funny commercials would have really gotten them the sales they needed.

Bottom line. As we speak, Windows has no truly viable competition, but having a big player push a linux distro could be huge. Too bad, I was hoping Google would back a good os.

Mada_Milty · May 2, 2007

I think that Linux's usage difficulties stem from OS exposure.
If you had started with Linux, you would have a much easier time working with it, than you would if you had used Windows all your life, and then tried to switch.

I mean, Linux's CLI isn't that much more complicated than DOS, and has far better resources. (I mean man pages vs the /? switch - not to mention community support) Why should Linux be more difficult to start with?

As for games.... maybe Dell will bundle Cedega? Or WINE? *knock on wood*

sheesh721 · May 2, 2007

Cedega is $5 a month and wine isn't all that easy to use either.

bigbazza · May 2, 2007

I don't use Linux, probably never will.
Windows has spoilt me since the olden days dating back to Tandy Model 1 (early 80"s).

I think that "Dell's support will make Linux" will only make Dell's option for XP even more popular, as MS try to force us into Vista.

Saw a definition for Vista yesterday. :major
"Vastly Inflated $ To Acquire".

I think that is the real reason for DELL's semi-switch. Bazza

===

BCGray said: ↑

Hey IBM's support made MS, hopefully Dell's support will make Linux.............Timing couldn't be better, with MS canning XP, and trying to force us to "Vista":clap :hyper :celebrate
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Dell to sell consumer PCs with Ubuntu

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