New Ubuntu Project Suggestion

[ebozzz]

I returned to school over the summer and accepted a position at an independent computer retailer/service center that also has a recycling program. A large percentage of the items that come in for recycling are refurbished and made available to consumers/businesses for purchase. Recent trends that I have seen, as well as a suggestion that was posted on the mailing list, got me thinking about potential opportunities to introduce Ubuntu.

The trend that I am referring to is the decision of management to simply recycle all Pentium III desktops that they receive. Many of these machines still have some life left in them IMO. I see lots of PIII boxes that have processor speeds of around 1GHz or better that would require very little if any work.

All of the machines that the company sells are loaded with Windows by default. Prior to the changes in policy, the refurbished machines in that PIII category were selling for $250 to $300. Although, sales were not as brisk as desired. It's understandable. I probably would not pay that kind of coin for a box like that either.

If they had the option of Ubuntu the price point of the same units could probably be lowered by $100 or more (The cost of Windows). This would certainly make them more attractive to the buyer IMO. It would generate revenue for the company and reduce expenses as less would have to be paid to their recycling partner.

I truly think that this is a viable project but unfortunately I don't have the necessary business acumen to put together a document that could be submitted to the owner for consideration. Is there someone that could help me in this task?

I have come in contact with several Ubuntu users while at work either via phone or in person. I actually met someone on Thursday the 8th who stated that that they had just joined our group. I do my best to spread the word about this excellent operating system as much as I can with the people that I am exposed to. Obviously, I have to be careful with how I do that on the job from a liability and conflict of interest standpoint. Please let me know if anyone can assist. Thanks for reading.

[shane4x4]

I think that's a great idea. I've thought about something like that - although I was thinking more along the lines of 'donated' old systems, and using high school kids to help get them running & loaded. These could then be given away to 'deserving' families. The idea to have a company sponsor this, and maybe make a profit off of it is also a good idea.

Keep us posted if you can move this along any further.
Shane

[ebozzz]

Will do Shane. Thanks for the reply.

[sandwookie]

Nice to see local folks in the drive!

You might send some ubuntu and /or kubuntu discs to local schools with a cover letter. I'm gonna drop one off with my kid's school so the computer instructor has a chance to review it. Maybe even local paper to cover it? The way education struggles for money, they'd be thrilled to get something totally free--and could spend a little for some 'old' boxes. Boy is Bill gonna be mad....

[thenetduck]

Hey,
I'm from the Utah team, but am going to be moving out to denver for the next 4 months (Sales job). I am a pro saleman and do it for a living, so when I'm out there, I would love to help you out if at all postible. I will talk to anyone and usually am fairly convincing (it's my job ) I think if you could offer to install the systems onto the older computers, that would help. I would also donate my time if that would help the school system raise a little cash out there. Tell me what you think and if you are too far away from denver for me to be of any help. Thanks,

The Net Duck

[ebozzz]

Net Duck,

Thanks for the offer! Things have changed for me somewhat. I will be starting my first IT position on Monday, April 8th. Things got sort of nasty at my current job for a brief period after I gave notice of my intentions to accept the new job.

If I approached the owner right now he probably would not hear what I have to say. The climate is better now but I think that I will wait until after I have gone to try to get him to consider my proposition. I can hardly wait until Monday. The new jobs offers me a lot of potential for growth that really has me excited!