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IBM Dropping Laptop Linux Support

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the now-that-just-sucks dept.

Bjarne Bula writes "In a message to the linux-thinkpad mailing list, Keith Frechette, former (as of Monday, June 24th) lead developer of Linux support on ThinkPads, reported that IBM has decided to no longer fund that project." I've been using Linux on a ThinkPad for some time now. If it stops being compatible, my next laptop won't be a ThinkPad. Too bad, because the machines are solid. Update: In an interesting counter-point, Information Week tells us that IBM will be opening a manhattan based "Linux Center of Competence" to show off Linux. Go figure.

3 of 362 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Very stupid thinking... by pstreck · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Actually it's not so stupid thinking. Most laptops are bought buy suits to run desktop operating systems, Linux is not a widely accepted desktop operating system. Now Linux is a widely accepted server operating system, and is and will remain there flagship operating system on things like the oh the zSeries... Linux isn't selling on the desktop, and frankly it's not ready for an average user. It's a geeks desktop and I love it, but it's not your typical suits laptop os.

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    Later,
    Phil
  2. EAT AT JOE'S by SlashdotTroll · · Score: 0, Flamebait
    There is no money to be made on Linux...FALSE.

    Linux saves the consumer and the company BIG money. Linux, with the correct software, is easy to administer. IBM dropping Linux support on their laptops could mean other things:

    IBM knows alot of hardware support in Linux is legally questionable and maybe expects typical crazy and single John Doe in his appartment to waste his own free time to support IBM's hardware.

    IBM is like a bunch of other companies by having a short-term finance study on all its products. Most companies don't look at the LONG-TERM benefits, down the line of a said product being mature. The Linux kernel itself is MATURE, but it's upto the user-mode software to bring the soccer players onto the field.

    AND STOP SHOUTING! DO YOU THINK WE'RE ALL DEAF!!!????

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    I am the nightmare of nightmares.

  3. Oh well, The laptops are too ugly anyway... by Mustang+Matt · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    IBM laptops are some of the ugliest out there, so are their server cases!

    IBM needs to take a lesson from Dell or Sony on making their stuff without sharp edges and corners that hurt when you bump into them.

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    The man who trades freedom for security does not deserve nor will he ever receive either. - Benjamin Franklin