Going to start selling custom Ubuntu systems - We need customer input

[samb0057]

I own an IT service company, we do tech support, web design, etc. We are launching a program to sell custom Ubuntu desktop PCs (online and locally). We will have 5 base models, starting at $309.99. We will offer Ubuntu/Xubuntu/Kubuntu/Edubuntu 6.06 and 7.04, as well as CentOS, and maybe FreeBSD.

We would like some customer input so that we can best serve the customer. First, besides Ubuntu, what OS options would you like to have available. How do you think we can reach Windows users and bring them over to Ubuntu?

Most importantly, what factors do you take into consideration when purchasing a custom PC?

Any other input is welcome, we will take any and all suggestions into consideration.

[scrooge_74]

I don't know the size of your operation, but trying to maintain so many desktop versions could be a pain unless you are absolutely sure the hardware wont give any problems.

As OS options for customers I think any variant of Ubuntu is ok since they are likely to not know enough on how to mantain their systems properly.

If I was to sell preinstall systems my pitch would be security, easy of IT management, and networking.

And dont sell it as just a replacement to MS.

And good luck, I hope it takes off and the idea works.

[PilotJLR]

I would also stick with Ubuntu and maybe also CentOS. With Ubuntu, you may be able to resell Canonical support subscriptions (I don't know their parner program, but you may want to look into it). Definately no FreeBSD, cause BSD guys would build their own anyway.

Also be sure to use good, solid cases. I've seen too many whiteboxes with cheapo cases. Even though the internals and workmanship may be fine, it still gives a cheap look. Personally, I like Antec.

[stickx911]

I have been looking for a way to set up a simple home server accessible through windows and linux. Both for sharing files and printers/scanners. Ubuntu has given me some trouble, but it's likely that I have not spent enough time working with it. But I can see that as a good reason for someone to buy an open source system

[Wharf Rat]

We would like some customer input so that we can best serve the customer. First, besides Ubuntu, what OS options would you like to have available. How do you think we can reach Windows users and bring them over to Ubuntu?

Most importantly, what factors do you take into consideration when purchasing a custom PC?



Set up a couple of demo units in the store.

I stopped in the local PC store today and they were showing a lady how they had fixed her PC along with why she needed all the Anti-XXXXXX to make Windows safe. I couldn't help myself. I had to say something about using Ubuntu could solve those problems for a lot le$$. The Tech "knew about Linux" but was not familiar with Ubuntu.

As for Custom PCs, I just look for solid decent components.

[samb0057]

One question, do you think we should approach this from a regular standpoint, with pre-set models and customizable options, or as a store that just sells a large variety of PCs, each with its own unique options (in the way dell outlet operates)? The latter would be cheaper, but maybe less professional.

[jrusso2]

If I was going to buy a Linux preinstalled system I would want it to come with working codecs, dvd, and any blob video drivers needed set up and ready to go.

If it was a laptop I would want working power management and suspend.

Also an easy reinstall image would be nice in case some Ubuntu upgrades trashes it.

[Stringsy]

Most importantly, what factors do you take into consideration when purchasing a custom PC?

This is has probably been mentioned... but I'd say Tech Support.

So many good custom PC retailers, be they large or small, fall down when it comes to tech/customer support.

And since it's Linux... you're gonna have to make sure you have a tight *** support system.

[Fonon]

In order to win the Windows users, why not have some computers Dual-Boot Windows systems? When they see good hardware, and a cheap price, they will probably pick it up, and then see another OS on it, and eventually try it out.

Also, you should make each PC custom set up before you actually sell it. A nice feature is that most of the software you could include will be available for free, and hopefully installed for free. You can also make stuff like Cedaga, Crossover, etc for sale.

Make sure you have compatible hardware. And, for a design feature, I think it would be cool if you you had the Ubuntu logo on the case. For example, on a Dell laptop, they have the logo behind the moniter. In place of that, you could put the Ubuntu logo.

[Nexus...]

If I was new to Linux Ubuntu and I had been using Windows XP for my computing life (hard to imagine a life without Ubuntu but meh) I would first make sure that the hardware was compatible, make sure it had internet access and know where I can get help quickly and easily, I think I had them I would feel more comfortable.

I would also recomend the idea of having a "demo" PC running. Also make sure the Multimedia codecs are installed and ready to use.

[southernman]

Not sure how exactly, if you could replace firefox's default screen on first run or not, but build a nice webpage easily accessible to the new owner filled with important links to support forums - howtos - YOUR SUPPORT CONTACT INFO - and the like.

Most important, I wouldn't offer but 1 - 3 different configurations with quality hardware that you can sell for a competitive price. Now THIS is going to be really hard to do unless your buying hardware on the black market *shudders* or you have a whole lot of buying power with a huge credit limit enabling you to buy at considerable discounts. Face it, your average PC consumer is looking for what? That's right... the bottom line. If they can buy a descently powered system from walmart for around 400 bucks... with windows mind you... why on earth would they buy a system from you for 600 bucks and be doubtful about the OS.

And while I am at it, I'l mention now that I had looked at one of your already sold listings on ebay... one where you sell Ubuntu CD's. Nothing wrong with that if that's what you want to do, but DO NOT misinform people about the requirements to run the OS. The listing I looked at stated that only 64MB of ram was needed.... YOU KNOW THAT AIN"T RIGHT!

Anyway... good luck! You are definately going to need it!

[monsieurdozier]

Generally when I think of selling something, I look at it from the perspective of a complete idiot. I agree with everyone saying that you should have all the multimedia, internet, etc. set up for them, because someone not familiar with Linux would not know how to set all that up.

And Tutorials. I know people who have no idea how a computer works or what to do with it. I'm a big fan of an icon on a desktop with a video howto. Videos are easier than trying to get them to read. People like to be shown what to do.

And explain to them that Windows software will not work on this machine. Games they buy in the store, etc. If you want to show them how to deal with Wine, it would make a better selling point.

Just keep the idiot in mind. What would he do with the computer, and how can you teach him what to do with it.


Monsieur Dozier

[Raval]

First, besides Ubuntu, what OS options would you like to have available.
.

Well Ubuntu is good enough for me but maybe popular distros like Red Hat and Suse.


Most importantly, what factors do you take into consideration when purchasing a custom PC?
.

An internal modem that works.

[antisocialist]

some good ideas would be pre-setup systems for various specifics such as:
gaming

portable devices such as ipods psp phones etc (have them setup for maximum ease of use of these devices)

company (pre-installed with everything need for corporate use and nothing else)

media (lots of harddrive space for videos music photos etc)

also have options for full customizations such as choose x graphics card, choose x wireless card, choose x amount of hdd memory etc. and also have recommendations for which is better (for example, wireless card with greatest distance, largest harddrive etc)

have options to bundle with other items associated with specific preset examples:
have "gaming" pre-set come with things for gaming such as a gaming headset, various games, membership to games (such as WoW or something)

have "portable devices" pre-set have options to bundle a psp with a computer based psp program and a 2gb memory stick (from sandisk not sony), an ipod or mp3 player, iphone etc. (and have option to get all of these with it at some sort of discount)

have "company" pre-set have option to bundle with a server running on ubuntu server

have "media" pre-set come with options of having conversion software and organizational things also installed

have option to have dual operating systems so that if they end up not liking ubuntu they can go to microsucks winblows instead (and have options of vista or xp or both)

have free house calls for say a week if they buy locally and need service

have toll free service available for 30 days after purchase

have an "extended service plan" for extending the service length for an extra price

set the firefox homepage to be some site you set up that has links to important things such as your support contact information
links to ubuntu forums stating that they can get fast non commercial support there
canonical support number
some video "HOW-TO's" on important things

have pre-installed on all options the following firefox plugins:
java (latest version) as this is hard to install
adobe flash (not hard but saves some time) (latest version)
option to have compiz installed
adobe shockwave (latest version)
a desktop link to a document (stored on the computer) explaining things such as computer specs, tech support number for your company and canonical, some faq's with answers, a "beginners guide to ubuntu/kubuntu/xubuntu/edubuntu,"

also at manufacturer boot-up (where it say the name of company who made computer such as toshiba dell or compaq) at bottom display boot menu options such as:
press esc for boot menu (where u can configure boot order etc.)
press f1 for help
press f2 to boot in safe mode
press f10 for system recovery (this is a feature compaq has) and have a second non user accessible hard drive with all the pre-sets installed where if they get a virus that screws up there computer while using windows they can do this and it warns them: doing this will delete all your data do you want to continue <y/n> and then if yes it will delete there entire hardrive and set it to the stuff it was at when they originally bought it from you and if no it will say the station will now shut down, and then 5 seconds later turn off.

have a "previous customer discount" if they spent X money in the past X months/years on your services/products

have a discount for people who have provided you with good information via this forum

thats a lot of info and i don't expect it all to be included but that last bit about the boot stuff and the manual and pre-installs are pretty important.... just saying

i wish you luck with this, especially if you use my ideas :lolflag:

[antisocialist]

o ya... hvae fun raednig taht :lolflag:

[American_Outcast]

I bought a Compaq Presario S6000CL a few years ago. I maxed it out as much as I can and I think I over did it a bit. It has been acting buggy lately. So I decided to check out Ubuntu computers at Dell. I didn't like what they offered. Two desktops and one laptop, unless I am missing something.

What I like is simple. Good hardware, decent price and being able to upgrade the computer as needed or wanted. I love having a variety to choose from as well.

I hate being limited with hardware and software, one reason why I completely switched to Ubuntu (except for a few games every now and then on XP, can't get those games to work with CrossOver yet.)

For me tech support isn't an issue. I just run to this forum when I screw something up, lol. But if I did have to call tech support it is nice being able to talk with someone who is not clueless or has one hour training and is told to look at the little book for all the answers, (Went through that with Compaq when I first bought it and almost returned the computer.)

Probably not exactly what you where looking for in a reply but that is the start for me.

Now further. I like AMD over Pentium, specifically AMD Atahlon XP processors. I like Nvidia over ATI. Sound cards are not an issue with me. I have a Sound Blaster I was using but I took it off my main computer and I am using the AC/97 which is fine. I am also looking into using this computer, once I get another, for over the air digital and MythTV.

The following is what I am considering for my new computer if I have to build it. This can give you an idea of one persons view on buying a computer, or building it, and keeping it affordable. This is only the start of what I am getting.

ASUS 580X ATX AMD Socket AM2 Motherboard
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 4200+ 2.2GHz, 2.0GHz FSB
Antec Nine Hundred ATX Ultimate Gamer Tower Case
And Ubuntu.....

Linux Distro's I currently like.
Ubuntu above all. (I do like the others in the Ubuntu family such as Kubuntu, etc.)
DreamLinux, Sabayon, Damn Small Linux, Knoppix, SimplyMepis.

Hope this helps a little.

[ZarathustraDK]

A big point, as already mentioned, is the change in mindset you have to impose on the customer when it comes to how to react when things don't work.

If Ubuntu, then make a BIG deal out of leading new people to the forums, because it's an absolutely immense, easily searchable resource for what to do when things go wrong (or you're curious about the extended capabilities of your OS if you're ready to have your terminal-virginity taken.).

In essence : All roads must lead to the forums, it's one the biggest strengths of Ubuntu. Videos, pamphlets, homebrew first-startup-presentations (this would be a cool feature in any pre-installed linux-box). Make it so that when the customer has tried out all the pre-installed programs and is hungry for more, then he'll know about "add/remove-programs", ubuntuforums.org,(especially the how-to-section and the absolute beginners-section), and how to customize his desktop.

[blackaardvark]

Well, owning an ATI video card I can tell you they can be a nightmare with ubuntu so stick with nvidia for now I guess. Especially if you're going to be pushing Cedega etc.

Good luck with this.

[toupeiro]

I can send you an odt of the custom system I just finished building using ubuntu. When I build a custom system, I almost do an interview process first. I want to know how they currently use their computer, and what they WANT out of a custom system, and I build it to spec, right down to the aesthetics and UI.

The last ubuntu system I built was a meld of gnome and KDE tools. The person hated going through menu's to start apps and icons. He wanted something aesthetically pleasing but functional. So, once I built the system, I wrote a quick-start guide on how to use the interface. Being that it was all done with open source tools, and that I accept payment in pints, I have no problems sharing the tools I used. send me a private message with your e-mail address and use it as a baseline for your custom systems if you'd like.

[kevdog]

Make sure wireless works!! That's about all I can say.

If the video drivers, networking capabilities, and multimedia do not work straight up -- then forget about it.

[lespaul_rentals]

I'd say you should also offer Fedora 7. It's much more noob-friendly, at least in my opinion. And yes, as a computer technician I can honestly say it is bloated compared to Ubuntu/Kubuntu, but compared to windows it's pretty much anorexic. With Fedora there is an application for pretty much every purpose, and it's very smooth and attractive out of the box. Just a thought. Also, MEPIS might be a good choice for some clients, but not all.

Set out some demo models, at least one Linux PC and one Linux laptop. You might even try a front-and-center, feature display, your best computer set up with KDE and Beryl themes. It should be so sexy that it's the first thing they look at when they come in, and they can't take their eyes off it. Let them see that if they are looking for eye-candy, there is an alternative to Vista.

[Zero Prime]

Make sure all your parts are compatible with Ubuntu!!

I sell Ubuntu Machines locally. The lowest price system I sell is for $350.00. That's with an AM2 Proc, MSI mobo using the Nvidia chipset with int. 6100 graphics, 512MB of Ram, 120GB SATA HD, DVD+-RW Drive. keyboard and mouse. I set up all codecs before it's ready to sell. Of course I cheat a little and use Ubuntu Ultimate and install the games upgrade. Having all the codecs and engines already installed is such a time saver :)