IBM Launches Linux Desktop in India

kanad writes "Who says that Linux on desktop is dead. Well maybe in the developed markets where people are using windows since last 10 years and are used to it. But in nascent markets it maynot be the case. From this story at Times of India , IBM is launching a linux based desktop model (A30) for about US$ 850. The specifications of the A30 is available from zdnet india site although the price mentioned is about US$ 1100. IBM CEO recently visited India generating news and smoke about big blue taking some serious linux initiative in India. Here is a more practical story on Linux in India"

Comments

fr1st post

[IamTheRealMike]

I'll read the article in a moment. Until then, what do you mean Desktop Linux is dead in the developed world? What I see is people desperate to use it, but held back by lack of ease-of-use, compatability and too much inertia. I don't see people saying "oh, who cares, getting done over by Redmond isn't so bad".

Hmph.

Re:fr1st post

[pkunzipper]

Agreed. It's not dead. I am not around too many people willing to experiment with Linux (Learn), but I took the initiative myself after having spent the last 6 months reading about Microsoft's DRM initiatives and related materials. Even on TV IBM is advertising Linux (and some UNIX) use. Good move, as is the India initative. If Alternative systems are going to be successful, growing large outside of the US will be a big step (like building an army) prior to returning to the US, which at that point may be falling behind in software technologies (not likely, but DRM is a luddite move). If I'm going to invest $1000 in a box, just like $10,000 (or whatever) in a car, I'm going to use it to its fullest potectial, and maitain the freedom to modify it as I see fit without having to pay $100 a pop for "licences"

Re:fr1st post

[mjmalone]

The fact that they have been brought up using windows, and are used to using windows, and linux is very different than windows is exactly what makes linux hard to use. Just as a dvorak keyboard is hard to use. People don't have the time to devote to learning new things when, in their opinion, the way they are doing things as is works out fine.

IBM's reply to SCO?

[pe1rxq]

Could we see this as the first real reply to the SCO case? Something like: 'Up yours SCO!' or more like: 'Lalalalalah Can't hear you!' ??

Jeroen

What linux release?

[dTb]

The articles don't state what company has put together the desktop software, just that the hardware is from IBM. Is this another partnership for Red Hat or have IBM rolled their own?

Hmmm I wonder...

[PS-SCUD]

If they'll have a cow for their GNU symbol?





*note: this is a good natured jab, not making fun of their religious beliefs

Good nes for the 3rd World

[PhysicsExpert]

This could be excellent news for the proseperity of the third world in general and the redution in the digital divide in particular.

At present many third world countries such as Ethiopia, Rhodesia and India have serious problems in that computers are an unobtainable luxery that the ordinary man on the street cannot afford. If we can get free software into these countries then we can alleviate much of the hardware costs associated with running a computer and so make it easier for undeveloped societies to have access to modern technology (ok the hardware costs are still there but how much does a second hand computer cost these days?).

The impact of this cannot be underestimated. If you think how much computers have impacted on your work and how much time/money they save then you will realise why third world countries cannot compete on a level playing field with us Americans. If we can get Linux into these countries we can enable them to make money so they will not be a drain on the ric countries but will instead be able to make money and provide for themselves.

Re:Good nes for the 3rd World

[SN74S181]

Are you kidding? Putting Linux on systems will reduce 'much of the hardware costs'??

Did you notice the price mentioned in the article on these machines? $850 is well beyond the reaches of many, many people in the First World and completely beyond the reach of people in the Third World.

128mb??

[Alpha_Nerd]

I wish companies would stop selling systems with 128mb of RAM... 256 is bare minimum nowadays. People wouldn't notice the difference between that 2.4ghz P4 and a $50 AMD Athlon XP 1700+...

Of course, I'm sure they do this because they can get away with it... The average consumer probably thinks a CPU with a big number next to it is more important.

Re:Excellent

[frodo from middle ea]

Dude,
Linux or no linux, jobs/projects are being out sourced to india because of one simple reason . CHEAP LABOUR.
If you think outsourcing to india is problem, wait till china catches up. they have even better infrastructure and cheaper labour .right now the only problem for them is ability to speak english.
In case you forgot it's called capitalism.

Re:India will be the dominant force in computing

[frodo from middle ea]

As an Indian I beg to differ,
they don't have an attitude/ego
yeah right, i think we indians have one THE most infalted ego about our computing abilities.
they really really really want to program(unlike lazy westerners)
What a gross generalisation. Incase you forgot most of computing initiatives are taken by western countries.
They actually meet targets
Not any faster than anyone else
The quality is as good as western code
How does this make indians better ?
the labour is cheap
no arguments here. But don't forget the labour is cheap because of a weak economy and huge population, which have their own problems.
there are 1.3 billion people (making them second to China)
Out of which 30-40 % are under poverty line
They use Linux for everything
WHAT ?

US $850?

[dafoomie]

Isn't 850 a little pricey for the average guy in India? Especially considering I can walk down to Wal-Mart and get one for $200.

Re: What Linux needs

[Black Parrot]

> Well, a lot oof companies in north america, or even up here in ontario canada use linus for their development.

I knew Transmeta used him, but I didn't realize he got around that much!