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IBM Dropping Laptop Linux Support
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.
Shhhhh ... it's not dying ... it's just sleeping ...
When I first read this, I was horrified. IBM has been one of Linux's strongest supporters, and it shocked and saddened me that they would drop our community like yesterday's long johns.
But then I reconsidered. It occurred to me that a lot of the public excitement about Linux is based on its "outsider" image. We're not "suits," we're "hackers." We have fun. That image is what sold Linux in the first place.
It struck me that Linux's recent partnering with IBM, HP, and other Big Corporations may be interpretted as selling out by others (and the media). Maybe these deals are responsible for the recent decline in Linux's market share growth.
I know this seems discouraging, but maybe it's for the best. Linux gets back some of its lost credibility, and the community benefits. Maybe we should tell HP where to shove it as well?
In the end, we'll just have to wait and see. But I'm optimistic.
Karma: Good (despite my invention of the Karma: sig)
unfortunatly for IBM, if your thought is correct, they have made a poor choice here.
Linux is best suited for several enviornments. I agree that laptop support may not have been the best idea, but to say that it is only worthwhile supporting on server level is ridiculous.
Although if I were to get a laptop, my next one would be my first Apple. That's just me though.