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View Full Version : Linux vendors in hardware?



NiklasV
December 11th, 2006, 12:58 AM
The biggest problem in getting Linux out to the people today in my opinion is the lack of computers pre-installed with Linux. This is in large part due to the large computer vendors such as Dell, HP, etc having deals with Microsoft prohibiting them from marketing non-Windows systems in exchange for lower prices on Windows licenses.

So what if some Linux vendors (like Red Hat, Canonical, Novell) were to go into the hardware business, and sell integrated systems much like Apple?
Market it as a user friendly alternative to Windows, without the hassle of viruses, spyware, etc.
This has been quite successful for Apple and I believe it could work for Linux.

Do you think this could work?

dbbolton
December 11th, 2006, 02:36 AM
hmm, that kind of seems counter-philosophical.

if they kept the software availible to users who didn't buy the software, no one would buy the hardware.

if they made the hardware and software an exclusive integration, the user numbers would have to be much lower.

i think that things are just going to float along for linux as they are.

dbbolton
December 11th, 2006, 02:36 AM
wait, doesn't linspire sell machines with their software on it ?

KiwiNZ
December 11th, 2006, 02:39 AM
HP sells PCs and Workstations with Linux installed
They also sell servers with linux installed

NiklasV
December 11th, 2006, 03:04 AM
hmm, that kind of seems counter-philosophical.

if they kept the software availible to users who didn't buy the software, no one would buy the hardware.

if they made the hardware and software an exclusive integration, the user numbers would have to be much lower.

i think that things are just going to float along for linux as they are.

I certainly wasn't suggesting distributions would come only with hardware attached or that these companies stop distributing Linux for free or stop selling it.
Most people (unfortunately) would never consider downloading and installing a new operating system for their computer. Most people would never consider installing an operating system at all.
For these people to use Linux, it would have to come pre-installed on their new computer.
What I'm suggesting is that Linux vendors build computers with Linux pre-installed and market them to regular consumers. Or they could partner with third party companies to do this. But what they need to do is make sure computers with Linux pre-installed are out there next to the Windows PC's as an alternative. If computers with Linux pre-installed aren't out there and aren't marketed, consumers will never know Linux even exists.

I'm aware that HP sells computers with Linux pre-installed, but you'd be hard pressed to find one unless you specifically searched their website for Linux. And even if you follow the links from their Linux website, it still says "HP recommends Windows XP Professional". This is part of their agreement with Microsoft.
They can sell PC's with Linux, but they can't advertise it.

Cyberflunky
December 11th, 2006, 04:26 AM
The big money is in software, I don't think they should distract themselves. They just need to learn to manipulate there customers like Microsoft dose.: :biggrin:

I have used systems that shipped with Linux from

http://www.pogolinux.com/
http://www.penguincomputing.com/
http://www.sun.com/
http://www.TechQuest.cc/

They were all very good, I'm sure there are a 1000 more companies that will ship you a PC running linux.

aysiu
December 11th, 2006, 04:33 AM
This is the most comprehensive list I've ever seen:
Companies selling preinstalled Linux and no-OS (http://lxer.com/module/forums/t/23168/)

albatroz2k
January 2nd, 2007, 09:41 PM
Hello,
I am convincing a local company who sells computers
to several retail stores to preinstall Ubuntu on its
computers (they currently preinstall Mandriva).

However I have noticed that the kits of CDs distributed
by Canonical are in english, and that english is the
default language of installation.

I wonder if it would be OK if I make a spanish version
of the carton packing, mantaining the same Ubuntu colours, etc...
to include them with the computers.

BTW, I wish I could do the same with OpenOffice, so if someone
here can solve me this doubt too. I would appreciate it very much..