Dell Offering "Open" PC

Sans writes "Dell began offering a new desktop Dimension E510n PC this week with no operating system installed. The machine is designed for people who want to run open-source software such as Linux instead of Windows. The PC comes with a blank hard drive and a copy of the FreeDOS operating system, which can be installed by customers."

Comments

How is this news?

[gagravarr]

I've bought 3 desktop PCs from dell in the last year that came without an OS, and with a FreeDOS cd in the box. So, how does this announcement qualify as news?

Re:Waste of time and source of FUD for Microsoft

[Gojira Shipi-Taro]

They do... From TFA:

Despite its affinity for selling Windows-based computers, Dell is also a staunch supporter of Linux. The company has invested almost US$100 million in open-source developer Red Hat and sells PCs and servers based on its operating system, such as its Dell PowerEdge SC430 with a dual-core Pentium.

On the desktop, Dell has been installing Linux on its Precision workstations for a couple years. Dell spokesman Liem Nguyen said the company will continue to do so.

Dell Machines w/Red Hat Pre-Loaded

[everphilski]

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/compare.a spx/precn_n?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

Took less than 5 minutes of looking. Hit *customize* and make it your dream machine.

-everphilski-

Re:Dell Machines w/Red Hat Pre-Loaded

[RetroGeek]

Why is it that if I buy an OS free machine the price changes $0?

This is how Microsoft got so much market share. They had agreements with the HW manufacturs that based Windows 3.x licence costs on boxes going out the door.

If you sold a computer, you paid MS for a Windows licence, even if the hard drive was unformatted. So there was no incentive (and quite a bit of financial detriment) to offer alternate OS's.

I believe that this was ruled illegal, but by then it was too late.

I *would* have bought this...

[fak3r]

I would have bought this earlier this year, as it stands I bought a Dimension 3.2G box for less than 500$. I DID NOT want to buy a machine with XP already installed on it, but get this; it was 80$ CHEAPER to buy the same machine with Windows than a 'naked' machine with a freeDOS option! I guess it's supply and demand, but it still irks the hell outta me that I paid the MS 'tax' and continued the 'look at home many ppl buy machines with XP installed!' FUD. Can these "Open" machines compete in price with Dell's (constantly) adverstised special? If not, I can't see too many ppl paying more for a machine with no OS vs a cheaper machine with XP (That I immediately installed over - no, I didn't look into the 'rebate' - sounds like it's a hassle anyway).

Re:Real news will be when Apple ...

[rworne]

They do - in a way.

Yellow Dog Linux is an Apple "Value Added Reseller". From their website:

A Unique Apple Reseller

Terra Soft, an Apple Authorized OEM VAR (Value Added Reseller) is granted a unique license to install Yellow Dog Linux on Apple computers and maintain full Apple hardware warranty for home, commercial, education, and government customers.

If that isn't approval by Apple, I don't know what is.