Who thinks that dell did the right thing?

[ivesjd]

Who thinks that Dell did the right thing with Ubuntu and the prices? I think there should be a bigger price difference between a ubuntu machine and vista machine.

[merlinus]

If you expect Dell to do the right thing, then I have a bridge to sell you.

It's all about the money..... and they just fired some 7,000 workers.

-merlin

[ronocdh]

If you expect Dell to do the right thing, then you must love Microsoft.

It's all about the money..... and they just fired some 7,000 workers.

-merlin
I fail to understand how "making money" and "doing the right thing" cannot possibly coincide. I think that Dell's choice to provide Ubuntu is an excellent step in the right direction, and this summer I'll be buying a laptop from them, because I want to make sure they understand I approve.

[Alex Fernandez]

I fail to understand how "making money" and "doing the right thing" cannot possibly coincide. I think that Dell's choice to provide Ubuntu is an excellent step in the right direction, and this summer I'll be buying a laptop from them, because I want to make sure they understand I approve.

The only advantage of Dell doing this for us is that now instead of just the community telling NV/ATI to sort thier drivers, Dell too will be telling them to sort it.

[stmiller]

The Vista version that comes with the Windows machine is the crappy basic version. You are actually getting a lot more functionality with the Ubuntu machine, and it's cheaper.

[jsmidt]

If Dell wanted to do the right things, for Linux and themselves. they would sell their machines in Europe. There is a good Linux market there.

Next they need to have some special repo's so that you can get stuff specific to your machine, like the correct Nvidia drivers.

But if Dell really will push this around the world, and provide good hardware support, it will work.

PS. With the Europe thing: I know they claim they can't support a bunch of languages but I bet if they could support just a few they would still sell allot.

[deadlikeoscar]

If you want to properly compare the cost of an Ubuntu system to a Vista one you need to remember that Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop (or whatever) cost money. If Open Office and the GIMP provide you with the functionality that you need (which is true for most people) then you have no reason to fork over a bunch of money for software--software you pretty much need. I know you can get open source software for Windows as well, but my point is that most people don't realize it when they order a Dell system. Even if they don't want to work with photos now, the possibility that, in the future, they may will often times justify the extra cost in their minds.

[iMav]

I fail to understand how "making money" and "doing the right thing" cannot possibly coincide. I think that Dell's choice to provide Ubuntu is an excellent step in the right direction, and this summer I'll be buying a laptop from them, because I want to make sure they understand I approve.
I am very happy with Dell's decision to start selling systems pre-installed with Ubuntu!

However, I will not be buying a laptop from them...simply because every Dell laptop comes with the same, crap keyboard. (what's up with that, anyway?) Will definitely consider a desktop system in the future though.

[mark]

OK - back after the power outage...I just ordered one of their laptops. (A) because it seemed like a good deal and (B) to show a little Linux love...

Seriously, what's wrong with the keyboard? One of the guys at work just got a new Dell and he loves it.

[BionicBigfoot]

I think that DELL did do something right. I agree with another post that graphic card drivers could end up being more stable if a big manufacturer like DELL is involved. In addition, I think M$ is getting worried. What with Microsoft wanting all of the sudden wanting Royalties from Linux and Open Source "Patent Infringements" http://dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=7269

I also think that it is a tiny step for gaming companies to realize that there really is a an audience of Linux users and more people to market their games towards. Meaning that Open-GL (or another open source platform) might start giving Direct X 10 some serious competition.

Anyway, I just overall feel it is a step (albeit a tiny one) in the right direction.

PS: I don't really like Dell based on some bad experience personally. And when I was working as an A+ technician a few years ago, I noticed that DELL pc's were the most frequent pc's we had to repair.

[Lord Illidan]

I think Microsoft also subsidises Vista for them, i.e. Dell probably gets a discount when getting Windows, perhaps also because it buys licenses in bulk. Then, it is also paid to put crapware on them.

[billybobshibal]

Dell is doing what some of their customers asked for, whether it lasts remains to be seen. The prices seem reasonable and the hardware is decent. It's a very simple start but who will be buying this? I'm an AV Tech in a resort and I really doubt that I'll be seeing any UbunDell's any time soon usually because people have no idea how their own computers work. Besides Dell's seem to have the most random odd ball problems as far as video outputting problems and playback. I suspect the Intel integrated graphics chip is the root of these problems.

P.S. Merlin, Dell lays off 7000 people now and once demand picks back up they'll hire 10,000 more. If you're really concerned you should buy a Dell.

[ageilers]

I am very happy that Dell is offering up an Opensource alternative. It is about time one of the big manufacturers does something. MS must be pissed. I see MS is threatening all of Opensource because of so called patent infringements. "Pay us or else." I would like to see how many patent infringements they have.
Seeing that Dells offerings work out of the box (see XPS410N (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=2767571#post2767571)) who can complain. As for the video drivers, it is up to Nvidia and ATI to create Opensource drivers to become Ubuntu supported. Using the nv driver works, although the nvidia driver is much better.

Kudos Dell!

[handy]

I think that it is a positive thing for Linux & Open Source.

As far as Dell doing the right thing is concerned?

It is just a business strategy for Dell, they are trying to win back some market share.

[MepisReign]

Dell is doing something that no other company has done before on the Open Source direction, that is good enough for me, period.

MepisReign

[merlinus]

Not true!!!

System7 and a few other companies were selling linux computers years before Dell came on board.

These folks were the pioneers, willing to take the risks.

Now a mega-corporation, not much different from M$, sees gold in them-thar-hills, and far too many folks jump on the bandwagon with a narrow perspective.

Buy locally, and when you can't, buy from the small guys who were at the forefront of open-source.

Not from the wannabe monopolists like Michael Dell who smell the money and want to take over.

My $.05 worth....

:D :D :D

-merlin

[z0phi3l]

I think that DELL did do something right. I agree with another post that graphic card drivers could end up being more stable if a big manufacturer like DELL is involved. In addition, I think M$ is getting worried. What with Microsoft wanting all of the sudden wanting Royalties from Linux and Open Source "Patent Infringements" http://dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=7269

I also think that it is a tiny step for gaming companies to realize that there really is a an audience of Linux users and more people to market their games towards. Meaning that Open-GL (or another open source platform) might start giving Direct X 10 some serious competition.

Anyway, I just overall feel it is a step (albeit a tiny one) in the right direction.

PS: I don't really like Dell based on some bad experience personally. And when I was working as an A+ technician a few years ago, I noticed that DELL pc's were the most frequent pc's we had to repair.

I work in a pure DELL environment for the Navy, I have to say that their 745's and 600 series laptops work great considering the environment we are in, yes the DELL Tech's are in once a week but considering we output ~ 600 machines a day, the 4-5 they repair a week is a minuscule number comparatively.

And yes I think this is a great thing for them to do, as long as this is a long term deal and not some short term kissup to the community

[ivesjd]

I went to dells site to look around, and couldnt actually find a computer with ubuntu on it, (or as an option). Is it they only offer it on certain machines? If so, which ones?

[benanzo]

http://www.dell.com/open

[swoll1980]

I think think their going to have a huge customer service issue. People are not as familiar with Linux,everytime it takes them longer than 5 minutes to figure something out their going to want the free customer service that comes with the cpu. Not smart!!!

[caro]

If nothing else, Dell is making people at least understand there are alternatives to Microsoft out there. I applaud their effort, and since I am new to Ubuntu and Linux in general, I bought a Dell laptop so I wouldn't have to deal with hardware issues as a newbie.

[handy]

Not true!!!

System7 and a few other companies were selling linux computers years before Dell came on board.

These folks were the pioneers, willing to take the risks.

Now a mega-corporation, not much different from M$, sees gold in them-thar-hills, and far too many folks jump on the bandwagon with a narrow perspective.

Buy locally, and when you can't, buy from the small guys who were at the forefront of open-source.

Not from the wannabe monopolists like Michael Dell who smell the money and want to take over.

My $.05 worth....

:D :D :D

-merlin

I agree totally, support the little fish where ever & when ever you can.

Or before we know it, they won't exist anymore.

The big fish swallow our individual freedom's somewhat imho.

[Feba]

Hell no. The second Dell said "For enthusiasts or advanced users" or whatever bullcrap they were spouting, they closed our market off from anyone who didn't already use linux. If I want to buy a laptop with linux on it from the default, i'll stick with s76.

[jgcamp99]

Who thinks that Dell did the right thing with Ubuntu and the prices? I think there should be a bigger price difference between a ubuntu machine and vista machine.

I'd rather see Dell drop pricing on Vista systems, throw in a dvd of Ubuntu with every system and leave it up to the consumer to put Ubuntu on it. I'd rather Dell develop a driver package that works across the board for their products (this is directed more towards notebooks). Printers, those are drivers each manufacturer needs to provide support for. Dell can require better support, then again, don't they just sell HP, Canon or whatever printer with their hardware aleady ?

Dell has done the right thing, but let's say a Windows user doesn't like Linux and wants it after getting the Ubuntu system ? The returns or whatever program is used to get Vista in the hands of those boomerang returns to Microsoft will show dis-satisfaction w/ Linux.

At any rate, an easier dual boot dvd/cdrom than the live cdrom for Dell customers is needed.

[zero244]

Dell is just trying to sell computers. They see that Vista is not being well received and if they can sell a few extra machines by giving people a version of Linux pre-installed they will try it. It appears the agreement with MS to supply only commercial customers with XP does not give Dell many options on the OS.
If people buy computers with Linux it could start a trend.......if they dont sell.........then Dell will drop the choice of having Linux pre-installed.
Its all about money...........plus I think Mikey kind of likes Ubuntu.
I hope Linux sells, its good for everyone if it does.

[MentholLite]

Apparently, I don't think VISTA sell well with those new machines.
In fact, alot of ppl are asking for XP instead.

I will said DELL did the right move in offering alternative.
But like any other businesses, its all about making $$$.

Just my 2cents.

[mifi]

If Dell wanted to do the right things, for Linux and themselves. they would sell their machines in Europe. There is a good Linux market there.

I called the Dutch sales rep's last week to ask them about this very thing. They told me Dell's with Ubuntu will be on in the Netherlands, starting in Juli 2007.

They also told me it is also possible in the Netherlands to buy a Dell without OS, but only if you order it by phone. I have noticed that a Dell without OS can be ordered from the Internet in France and Germany.

mifi

[mifi]

I also think that it is a tiny step for gaming companies to realize that there really is a an audience of Linux users and more people to market their games towards. Meaning that Open-GL (or another open source platform) might start giving Direct X 10 some serious competition.

Pardon me. Not just the gaming companies should realize there is an audience. Same is true for hardware manufacturers (drivers!), Adobe etc..

mifi

[bedlam]

I think it's a step in the right direction. More big names will inevitably follow and so we (Linux users) will all benefit from greater support for applications and hardware. Microsoft has every right to be worried by this move, so much so they are pushing a scheme called MVPs, (Most Valuable Professionals) to receive this accolade, you need to prove yourself by helping others. Something the Linux user does automatically, so we are already MVPs.
However back to the question. I've just just bought a laptop from Novatech with specs, Core duo 1.73, 15.4 screen, 2048mb pc4200 ram, 120 sata hard drive, multi burner, firewire, Intel graphics,4in1 card reader, modem, wireless LAN all for £445 inc VAT, with NO operating system, Installed Ubuntu 7.04 without a hitch, this is by far the best OS so far. Dell can't beat that, so for me this is the route to take
As a final point, every laptop that I have looked at underneath, whatever the brand name says “Made in China”

[bluedragon436]

If Dell wanted to do the right things, for Linux and themselves. they would sell their machines in Europe. There is a good Linux market there.

Next they need to have some special repo's so that you can get stuff specific to your machine, like the correct Nvidia drivers.

But if Dell really will push this around the world, and provide good hardware support, it will work.

PS. With the Europe thing: I know they claim they can't support a bunch of languages but I bet if they could support just a few they would still sell allot.

What makes it so bad, is that I am stationed here in Europe and the Ubuntu Dell's have been available for a little bit now. I am not sure for how long exactly but I know that they were here before you posted your above post about them.

Now as far as do I believe Dell did the right thing...as far as selling thier product with Ubuntu already installed yes I think they did the right thing...I own a Dell right now with it loaded, and know many people who have purchased thier pre loaded systems. I do wish the prices were a bit lower then they are for thier systems with Ubuntu on them, but then again when comparing the like model Windows OS system you are actually getting a better deal when buying the Ubuntu model thant he Windows anyways....but that is just my two cents worth...

[notwen]

I think that it is a positive thing for Linux & Open Source.

As far as Dell doing the right thing is concerned?

It is just a business strategy for Dell, they are trying to win back some market share.

Couldn't word it any better myself. I purchased a Inspiron 1420n during their free 2GB ram & 160GB HDD upgrade promo. I've been very happy w/ my system. It wasn't perfect out of the box, but Del did go out of their way and release custom Feisty images that corrected most, not all, but most of the issues. What they're doing is great for the Linux/Open-Source communities, but as far as the right thing goes, Dell did this for Dell hoping to make some extra bucks. Regardless I believe the community should support their offerings as limited as they are.

[altariel]

I think they did!
especially when they'll start selling them in Sweden too :)
(somtime this fall was the last promise I heard)
- sooo wish I could get a job to be able to buy a new computer :( ...

but if NONE of the "BIG PLAYERS" had done this move, selling linux desktops/laptops to NORMAL people, that would have been the false way ...

I applaud Dell for taking the step!

[deserthowler]

I waited for some initial bugs to be ironed out before buying my 1420n and it works great.

Dell is in the business of making money and I didn't spend days getting Ubuntu to work, I think the price is reasonable.

I never got Ubuntu 7.04 or several other distros other than Debian to even pretend to be interested in installing on other Dells. ](*,)

Although they didn't pay for the OS, I'm sure they do pay the people who worked on getting this functioning in an acceptable manner.

I'm sure ATI and NVIDIA notice Intel is used with the Dell Ubuntu machines as do some other hardware manufacturers.

Over all, I think Dell is trying to make sure what they sell works. They have an opportunity to win over as well as anger the Linux community here.

I think the warnings about buying an Ubuntu Dell are great. I encourage most people to stick to Windows because they don't have the desire or ability to solve even the simplest Linux problems. They really want Windows. I agree it shouldn't be in the mainstream ... yet.

In general I think Dell did and is doing the right thing.

Earl

[bluedragon436]

I know that since Dell is selling a setup with Ubuntu pre-loaded that ATI is going to be producing Linux drivers for their products, as when I contacted them about an issue I was having with an ATI product I am currently having that is running on one of my Ubuntu machines, they rep said that they were eagerly pursuing building Linux safe drivers for their current popular products as well as their new ones....not sure when that will be happening for sure...but that is what they said.