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Dell starting to sell Computers with Linux
I_am_Rambi writes "Dell is starting to sell PCs with RHEL WS. The trio of workstations come with either a P4, or Xeons (Dual capable). Prices range from $759 to $1263 (after rebates). Linux Desktops has more information." From the article: "Dell spokesperson Jeremy Bolen said the company basically defines a workstation as a heavy-duty desktop or notebook that is certified to work with various ISVs applications, including those for computer-aided design, video editing, modeling software for the gas and oil industry and other similar applications. Bolen argues that companies will purchase workstations for those specific jobs versus buying them as desktops for so-called knowledge workers, who spend time emailing, word processing and creating PowerPoint presentations. "
It seems every once in a while, like when contracts with Microsoft expire, we hear Dell is selling Linux computers and then as soon as the stories appear the computers end up buried in some hard to find place on their website.
Actually, Dell workstations generally offer a direct-choice between Windows and RHEL Linux, and the prices are exactly the same (except for the fact that RHEL subscriptions are more expensive than Windows).
Dell also offers most of their desktop machines as "bare" (FreeDOS). These are the machines that are "buried" on the website. Sometimes these machines are cheaper than the Windows versions, sometimes the same, sometimes more expensive. Apparently this is because vendors like Real pay Dell to bundle their software.
Anyone who thinks the price disparity is due to MS kickbacks is on crack, because such a practice is totally outlawed by the antitrust decree.
Whenever I hear the word 'Innovation', I reach for my pistol.
Dell support shipped multiple machines to us with RHEL and 24" widescreens. Not one of them had the video at a widescreen resolution, let alone the monitor's native resolution. Their support personal were also unable to fix the problem. Fortunately I was. Though they are still happy to charge for this support.
It's short sighted to claim immediately that there are *any* savings to pass on at all. It's not as though these machines magically appear with an OS on once it's been decided. From my experience in the industry (and this in a much smaller company than Dell even), you will require a very efficient scheme for installing the OS to the machines remotely. These kinds of systems don't just appear overnight - they need planning, development and exectution. Critically, they will need to evolve over a period of time to approach the efficiency of those that have been in use for years and which are thoroughly tested and bug-free.
So... Email and Powerpoint junkies are "Knowledge Workers", while workers with actual knowledge, such as Petroleum Engineers are ... in Dell-speak?
Guess that despite my complaints to the contrary, my last job was just overrun with Knowledge Workers.
the more accurate the calculations became, the more the concepts tended to vanish into thin air. R. S. Mulliken
Well that may be, but even my system administrator eventually gave up.