Why are the Ubuntu choices hidden at Dell?

[CrimsonEclipse]

I was looking for a Dell laptop with Ubuntu o/s and it was like pulling teeth. Customer support, by phone and online chat, turned up very little. These guys had no idea what I was talking about. I had to google search to find the Inspiron 15n (the mini 10 or whatever it's called is too weak for my needs).

CE

[mikewhatever]

Well, Dell only offers Ubuntu preinstalled on a handful of machines, and only in a few countries. It's probably a nagging annoyance for them, and, same as the majority of computer users, they probably don't understand what Linux is, why use it, and what's wrong with Windows. On the other hand, Linux users don't really ask for Linux like you did. It's astonishing, but even some forum members pledged to only buy computers with Windows while claiming that they love Linux. So anyway, I guess it is assumed that Linux users know where to find what they want.

[themrfreeze]

The question is: how much money does Dell make by selling Windows on a computer vs. Linux? They have to be getting money from software vendors for the "trial" versions of the junk they preinstall on a Windows machine.

Also, there may be something in Dell's contract with Microsoft about offering non-Microsoft products that requires them to only sell one or two models with Linux, or to not advertise the fact, or whatnot. I honestly think that many vendors would love to offer full blown Linux support, but Microsoft uses their muscle to prevent it.

[Shibblet]

I would imagine that Dell has had a really hard time explaining why support for Ubuntu is costly for home users. Either that, or returns on purchases.

Canonical seems to make most of it's money from server support, not home user support. And Dell gives out tech support for a year when a customer buys a Windows machine.

Dell's "standard" customers feel like they need support, so paying an extra $200-$300 just for support doesn't really sit well.

They've also started hiding it because too many people were going ordering computers with Ubuntu installed accidentally. Dell figures anyone who "wants" Ubuntu, knows how to get it.

"I was the first person to use "quotation fingers", or so I "think". - Dr. Evil

[martingugino]

I am quite unimpressed with Dell support of Ubuntu (This is my first Ubuntu, and I bought it because Dell installed it.) They seem to be selling a USB Docking Station as an accessory during customization that is not supported by Ubuntu. That's my take so far, which seems ... bad.