Slashdot Mirror
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. "
...does it run Windows?
I'll probably be modded down for this...
We've seen this many times over the past few years. Dell has always sold linux on some machines. Sometimes if you dug enugh you could find it on workstations. Just last year this happened (again) and it was much higher priced than the exact same machine selling windows. I wonder if they will put some serious push behind it this time and make an effort ot pss the savings on (and yes I know other software vendors pay to have their products on the windows machines too...but still.).
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.
With it comes Dell's 3-Year On-site Economy Plan for support. This plan includes 24x7 phone technical support, online technical support, and if needed following phone-based troubleshooting, next business day on-site service.
Heh, I know what I'm going to suggest next time the Grandma-Types ask what kind of computer they should get. Have fun, Dell...
They are called "Open Source Desktops" or "n-Series" -- I see a link right on the Small Business Desktop page.
a spx/desktops_n?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/compare.
Whenever I hear the word 'Innovation', I reach for my pistol.
As shaitand points out, Dell itself would only be responsible for supporting the distro they have shipped originally. However, you do have a point in that the diverse nature of Linux (and pretty much all open source type software) is sometimes a barrier to adoption.
Dell may be reluctant to start shipping Linux (or at least shipping it as a regular thing) because they fear that the effort of offering a variety of distros is too much (as you point out), and simply offering one distro is probably not going to generate enough interest (read purchases) to make it viable.
Of course, Dell's strategy of building the computers according to specs would seem to facilitate the adoption of several OSs/distros, since they don't need to have a supply of all different types constantly. The problem with this is that they still need to keep a staff with expertise on all of the different types.
So essentially, if they only ship one distro, it's not enough variety to generate much profit, but if they ship many, it's too much effort to generate much profit. The one thing that could really speed adoption of Linux (notice I only say "speed adoption," not "enhance quality" or "be beneficial") would be if one particular distro really outshone all others and became the de facto standard, what people always meant when they said Linux. Only then would it become seriously lucrative for Dell to ship Linux.
I don't care if Dell ships with Linux (any distro).
But, I DO care that Dell makes hardware support available for at least the big distros!
Give me supported hardware and drivers!
Hey all you hardware vendors out there, it's 2006 already!
I've decided this year that any manufacturer that will not at least make drivers available is behind the times and I will no longer buy from them.
I'm tired of reverse engineered hardware support. It should not be this way anymore. I choose to vote with my $$$ and I will plainly tell any vendor why I will not choose them. No support for Linux, no support from me.
"Kittens give Morbo gas!"
In order to boot this system, you must install an operating system. A FreeDOS media kit has been provided which will allow you to boot your system once installed. Please note that many common applications will not run and/or fully function using FreeDOS, and in order to run these applications, you will need to install the appropriate operating system and/or device specific drivers. Consult FreeDos.org or your chosen operating system vendor for compatibility details." (boldface theirs; italics and sarcasm mine). No such text appears on any of the Windows pages. Indeed, Dell recommends Windows XP Professional. No similar recommendation supporting Linux exists.
--
Given enough personal experience, all stereotypes are shallow.
Well that may be, but even my system administrator eventually gave up.