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. "

Comments

Yes, but...

[MarkByers]

...does it run Windows?

again

[GenKreton]

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.).

Re:again

[robthebob]

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.

Is it that time of year again?

[The evil non-flying]

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.

Re:How do you find those?

[NutscrapeSucks]

They are called "Open Source Desktops" or "n-Series" -- I see a link right on the Small Business Desktop page.

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

What I want to see

[gooman]

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.

Re:How do you find those?

[Trelane]

Interesting. Things to note:

1. This option is only available via the "Small and Medium Business" web page. Linux is not offered at all to consumers.
2. No laptops will come with anything but Windows.
3. This page is only available by clicking a separate, lower link, in a special section entitled "Dell Open Source Desktops". Clicking the top (seemingly complete) product lineups will not give you access to Linux computers--only Windows.
4. Exception: A special link in the "Dell Precision Workstations" section (entitled "View Linux Workstations") will take you to the Linux Precision workstations. Again, clicking on the top link (which seems to indicate that it has the entire linup of Precision workstations) will not get you any Linux offerings .
5. Clicking on the series' pictures will not show you any Linux offerings, but has the appearance that it would contain all of the series' offerings.
6. Each series's Linux offering consists of precisely three machines.
7. The Precision workstation series consists of six machines--three Windows (670, 470, 380); three Linux (670n, 470n, 380n). Linux content: 50%
8. The OptiPlex workstation series consists of six machines--three Windows (GX620, GX520, 170L); three FreeDOS (GX620n, GX520n, 170Ln). Open Source content: 50%-- Linux content: 0%
9. The Dimension desktop series consists of nine machines--six Windows (XPS 600, 9150, 5150C, 5150, 3100, 1100); three FreeDOS (5150n, 3100n, 1100n). Open Source content: 33.33%-- Linux content: 0%
10. You'll note that only the Precision workstations come with Linux--two of the three "Open Source" desktops don't come with Linux.
11. Additionally, FreeDOS is not even installed (note the small print around the FreeDOS description.
12. Dell describes the Precision Linux offerings as "Dell PrecisionTM open-source n Series1 workstations deliver maximum workstation performance. Smart for businesses with proprietary software images or special Linux needs, these systems are available with factory installed Linux." (emphesis mine)
13. Dell helpfully adds the following cheerful text on their "Open Source Desktops" page: "he open-source n Series desktops feature select popular models from the DimensionTM desktop, OptiPlexTM desktop and Dell PrecisionTM workstation lines available with a copy of the FreeDOSTM open-source operating system included in the box, ready to install. It is not a Microsoft operating system and is not qualified for Windows licensing use under any existing Microsoft Volume Licensing Program (OPEN, Enterprise, etc.) Customers interested in a Microsoft® Windows® solution should purchase a Dell desktop pre-loaded with Windows XP Professional. Select n Series systems are also available with Linux.
    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.