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Dell Sells Open Source Computers

Posted by kdawson on from the ahhhhhh dept.

Lo5 writes with the excellent news that Dell is selling desktop computers without Windows preinstalled. They are called "n Series"; you can choose from Dimension E520, E521, or C521 desktops. The hard drive comes unformatted.

29 of 341 comments (clear)

  1. This is not news. by harks · · Score: 5, Informative

    Dell has been doing this for a long time.

    1. Re:This is not news. by luge · · Score: 3, Informative

      This is, to be fair, slightly different from their supported Linux boxes- these are FreeDOS and you're expected to supply a real OS and your own support. Slashdot's first story about them appears to date from 2004; like you say, they've been selling (expensive) supported Linux boxes for a lot longer than that.

      --

      IAAL,BIANLY

    2. Re:This is not news. by wellingj · · Score: 5, Informative

      Ubuntu laptops. http://system76.com/.
      Cheapest linux laptops around although R Cubed
      is a litte bit more pricey but had better OS selection.
      http://www.shoprcubed.com/

      --
      Money is the root of all evil?
    3. Re:This is not news. by ph43thon · · Score: 5, Informative

      Not sure where everyone is doing their cart comparisons... but I'm getting cheaper n-series with direct comparisons. 520n ($509) vs 520 ($589) (through smallbusiness which is a little cheaper than home) with:

      Pentium® D Processor 820 with Dual CoreTechnology(2.80GHz,800FSB)
      1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz- 2DIMMs
      256MB nVidia Geforce 7300LE TurboCache
      No Monitor
      48X CD-RW/ DVD Combo Drive

      The big difference in them would be HDD upgrades since the n-series had a free upgrade to 250GB, but I just left the Windows 520 with the default 160GB HDD. Also, the n-series forces you to buy a FDD and a modem. The Windows 520 did not.. if I'd added them to make it more even.. that'd be an extra $50 on the Windows system.

      Either way, this is better than in the past when the n-series did appear to cost more no matter what you did. Also, this is a system that's $80 cheaper and it comes with 100 more GB on the harddrive and has an FDD, modem. (not sure what to do with that though).

      If you run a cart through the Home section, the price comes to about $609 for the 520 (using the above mentioned setup) with Windows though you do get a 320GB HDD in the deal.

    4. Re:This is not news. by IAmGarethAdams · · Score: 4, Interesting

      No, the difference is that Dell get paid to install third-party apps onto a Windows install.

    5. Re:This is not news. by Web+Goddess · · Score: 3, Insightful

      My gut response is, "Asswipe! Just becuz you have the mojo to build your own, do you expect every Linux user to build her own?" Good for you, AW, but for Linux to continue to build market share, it needs to be available pre-installed. This may be old news, but it certainly is good news.

    6. Re:This is not news. by PopeRatzo · · Score: 4, Funny

      If I buy one of these, and add a wireless network adapter, does Dell help me get it configured? I'd pay $500 just for that.

      The time I wasted trying to get Linux to connect to the Internet w/ my Dell laptops, I could have built one from scratch, including fabricating the case from petroleum products. Every time I replace my laptop, I decide I'm going to put Linux on the old one so I can get to know it better and bond with my Slashdot brothers. I always fail when I get to the wireless. I even decide I don't really mind buying a second wifi adapter because the one built-in doesn't have Linux drivers (or, I'm just not smart enough to find them, which is more probable). I spend about a half hour trying to find one, I start to read about some kind of "wrapper" thing, and I start drinking heavily.

      When this new Media Ubuntu comes out, I'm going to try again. It's a bi-annual tradition for me.

      --
      You are welcome on my lawn.
    7. Re:This is not news. by acidrain69 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

      Assembling a computer from scratch allows the owner to be familiar with what went into it, and more importantly, set it up exactly how they will want it. It is an investment in your future productivity with that machine. If you buy a pre-built one, you are going to have to transfer old stuff onto it anyway. It doesn't take that long to install linux. Or Windows, for that matter, although I haven't had to wrestle with Microsoft and their validations yet.

      For my personal machine(s), I build from scratch wherever possible. Yeah, if I need a palette-load of computers for something, I get Dell do do a small or medium business build, get the warranties on everything, and let them fix it when something breaks (even though I am capable of doing it myself, fixing a general office computer is a waste of my time).

      --
      -- Having a Creationist Museum is like having an Atheist place of worship
  2. This isn't "open source" computers... by CaptainTux · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Apparently, the submitter and editor don't truly realize what "open source" is. Selling a PC without anything on it isn't open source; it's selling a computer with nothing on it. This isn't a move to support open source, it's a move to save money by not having to pay the MS tax.

    --
    Anthony Papillion
    Advanced Data Concepts, Inc.
    "Quality Custom Software and IT Services"
  3. The real question by milas · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Has anyone figured out how much cheaper these computers come than those with OEM Windows? Dell's pricing/models are so scattered I don't even know where to begin.

    1. Re:The real question by jmorris42 · · Score: 4, Informative

      > Has anyone figured out how much cheaper these computers come than those with OEM Windows?

      Well opening a seperate tab on www.dell.com and finding almost the same system with Windows I get a difference of $185 once you make em exactly equal. But they are running a promo hard drive upgrade on the N servies right now and aren't on the normal Dimension I looked at. But it doesn't matter, when the difference is that big it is clear they are actually taking something off the sticker price when you buy an N series. Finally. Guess that makes this a real news item instead of a pathetic dupe.

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      Democrat delenda est
  4. Demonstrates how screwed up the market is by dangitman · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Shows how much Microsoft's monopoly is silently accepted when it's news that someone sells computers without Windows.

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    ... and then they built the supercollider.
  5. Old news by apilosov · · Score: 4, Informative

    This is at least 1.5 years old, probably more.

    I've been buying n-series in 2005.

    1. Re:Old news by mshiltonj · · Score: 3, Funny

      This is at least 1.5 years old, probably more.

      Yes. More like 1.57 years old. Maybe even 1.6!

      --
      Software Wars
  6. Re:This isn't "open source" computers... by Dorceon · · Score: 4, Funny

    Well, if your computer has no compiled code on it, then it's vacuously true to say that you have all the source code too.

    --
    What sound do people on rollercoasters make? Hint: it's not Xbox 360.
  7. Note by JoshJ · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Note: Dell does not support non-Dell installed operating systems.

    In short: "We won't even give you tech support for the FreeDOS that comes in the package. All we'll do is replace your hardware if it breaks."

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    Care about privacy? Read this!
    1. Re:Note by The+Bungi · · Score: 3, Insightful

      And this is a problem.. why?

  8. Re:This isn't "open source" computers... by Rude+Turnip · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You have the source code for your BIOS?

    --
    Bill Clinton: Pimp we can believe in. - The Shirt!!!
  9. Actually IBM used to publish complete BIOS source by AHumbleOpinion · · Score: 4, Interesting

    You have the source code for your BIOS?

    When I used a genuine IBM PC back in the day, yes, IBM published the complete source code to BIOS. The listing was *the* API reference.

  10. But... by juiceg · · Score: 4, Funny

    Anyone notice that, during the configuration, all the banner ads, logos and "recommendations" all mention Vista? High-larious.

  11. How is this news?! by Trelane · · Score: 4, Insightful

    They've been doing this for years. News would be if "No OS" and "Linux" options were available for every system, and even more so for notebooks and the "Home" section. As it currently seems, however, this is not news.

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    --
    Given enough personal experience, all stereotypes are shallow.
  12. Dell does not support non-Dell ... by AHumbleOpinion · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Note: Dell does not support non-Dell installed operating systems. In short: "We won't even give you tech support for the FreeDOS that comes in the package. All we'll do is replace your hardware if it breaks."

    That sounds like support to me. They support what they assembled/installed. Dell support is not a uniform thing, it varies quite a bit from product to product and segment to segment. Give them more money, they will give you more support. Give them even more and they'll send someone to your home/office. Give them alot of money and they'll help you setup your enterprise with custom software and help you keep it running.

  13. Re:This isn't "open source" computers... by LoudMusic · · Score: 4, Informative

    Apparently, the submitter and editor don't truly realize what "open source" is. Selling a PC without anything on it isn't open source; it's selling a computer with nothing on it. This isn't a move to support open source, it's a move to save money by not having to pay the MS tax. Actually they aren't without anything. They come with FreeDOS. And FreeDOS is open source.

    Are you looking for a desktop on which you can run Linux® or other open-source operating systems? Look no further!

    Dell's new open-source n Series desktop solution provides customers with a DimensionTM E520, E521 or C521 desktop without an installed or included Microsoft® operating system. With the n Series desktop, customers have the flexibility to install an alternative operating system (such as a version of Linux® ), and help reduce the price of this system. In addition, the n Series desktop comes with a non-formatted hard drive ready for your custom installation. Dell's n Series desktop ships with a copy of FreeDosTM , an open-source operating system that is ready to install. http://www.freedos.org/
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  14. What they _Could_ be doing. by robbak · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Companies like Dell are in a unique position to break the Windows monopoly.
    The main problem Open Source developers are having is the near-impossibility of getting hardware documentation. The manufacturers are unwilling (which is something I do _not_ understand!), and we lack the marketing clout to force them.
    Dell, Hp /et al/ have that clout. A simple decision - only use hardware for which full specs are available - would force the manufacturer's hands. The developers of xorg, linux, BSD etc would use that to produce full support, and everyone would have a real choice. The companies would not have to pay the MS tax, MS would have an incentive to actually make their products useable, DRM would take a heavy thwacking as people can choose not to have it.

    Ah, a perfect world. Well, I can dream, can't I?

    --
    Prediction for end of Universe #42: Fencepost error in Quantum_bogosort.cpp
  15. Trialware by tepples · · Score: 3, Interesting

    The only conclusion that came to my mind is that Windoze is a nuisance and therefore you must pay not to have it.

    Some makers of commercial software with a free trial, such as Symantec with its Norton Antivirus, pay makers of Lenovo-compatible PCs running Windows OS to install their products. Some claim that the trialware bounties more than pay for the entire cost of a Windows license.

  16. Acorn Atom came with schematics by MCRocker · · Score: 3, Interesting

    My Acorn Atom actually came with schematics (2) and it was easy enough to disassemble the ROM. The manual even had a complete definition of the syntax in Backus-Naur format. Too bad modern computer makers don't seem to have that sort of respect for their users.

    --
    Signatures are a waste of bandwi (buffering...)
  17. Re:how PCs shipped without Windows will destroy yo by KillerBob · · Score: 5, Informative
    is there a web archive somewhere of http://www.microsoft.com/OEM/nakedPC.htm ??


    Why yes. Yes there is.

    http://web.archive.org/web/20000818081805/http://w ww.microsoft.com/OEM/nakedPC.htm
    --
    If you believe everything you read, you'd better not read. - Japanese proverb
  18. stupid automation.. by mrzaph0d · · Score: 3, Funny

    finishing up a custom system build on their site, i get this error:

    Errors:
            Windows® Vista does not support Optical Drive selected.
    Warnings:
            Congratulations! You have chosen all of the required hardware for a Vista Premium experience!

    guess i'm outta luck...

    --
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  19. FULL ANALYSIS, IDENTICAL SYSTEM by Alsee · · Score: 4, Informative

    Link to customize E520 Link to customize E520n

    It was a pain in the ass slogging through 42 pages of Tax Prep software offers and all sorts of crap, but here's the breakdown between the two systems. The E520n is no OS, the E520 is with Windows & the Windows-tax.

    (1) The E520n forces you to take a "free" 90 gig HD upgrade. Upgrade the E520 for $40.
    (2) The E520n forces you to take a CD/DVD drive combo. Upgrade the E520 for $30.
    (3) The E520n forces you to take an nVidia video card. Upgrade the E520 for $40.
    (4) The E520n forces you to take a floppy drive. Upgrade the E520 for $30.
    (5) The E520n forces you to take a 56k modem. Upgrade the E520 for $20.
    (6) The E520n allows you to take a "free" recycling program on your old PC. Upgrade the E520 for $25.
    (7) The monitor pricing is screwy, and I think they may have made an error. One way to look at it is that the E520n gets a $60 EXTRA discount if you actively select the "no monitor" option. The other way to look at it is that the E520n pays an extra $60 (or more) penalty if it takes any monitor. I took the no monitor option to pocket the (possibly accidental) $60 bonus.

    Once the systems are made as identical as possible, the final prices are $509 for no OS and $704 with OS.

    So you "apparantly" get a $195 discount for taking no OS. However on order to get that $195 "discount", you are forced to pay an extra $185 for mostly unwanted overpriced crap. The actual dollars-paid difference is a $10 less for taking no OS (you could get the E520 with no upgrades for $519), but the no-OS comes with various "free stuff" thrown in instead of the OS. In my oppinion the $40 for an extra 90 gig HD ain't bad at all, the $30 for CD/DVD drive combo and $40 for 3D video card upgrade are maybe reasonable or a total waste depending, the $30 for a floppy and the $20 modem and the $25 recycling deal (which by default is left unchecked and unused) are pretty much rape. IMO.

    So we still can't pull out a pure price difference for the OS, because Dell picks your pocket for an uncertain amount of money by forcing you to take that mixed bag of "upgrades" in order to get no OS, but it does look like you are getting a decent discount by taking no OS. No more games with an "OS-free" computer actually costing more than an identically configured Windows system. However a good chuck of that discount only crops up if you actively select the non-monitor option. If you take the default monitor, or if you switch to any of the other offered monitors, you basically get hosed for $60 for takeing no-OS and a monitor. If the $240 discount for the no monitor option is a mistake, or if you take the monitor, then no-OS is still a discount but not nearly as signifigant.

    The other differences betwen the systems that cound not be avoided are that the Windows system comes with 6 free months of AOL (value $0), comes with free Adobe Acrobat reader (value $0), comes with free Corel photo software (value $0), comes with free Yahoo Music jukebox (value $0), and 1 year of tech support. That tech support *is* valuable, bot to you as a buyer and as a cost to Dell. If you take the no-OS option, they stiff you on the tech support. The money they pocket there in revoking tech support is signifigant and takes a signifigant bite out of any no-Windows-discount that they are actually giving you.

    There is one final difference that I'm not sure if it is a real difference. The no-OS version lists "10/100/1000 Ethernet" whereas the Windows version lists "10/100 Ethernet". If the 10/100/1000 Ethernet is actually a different and better network card, then that maybe that is valuable addition in the non-OS system. However I suspect... and I may easily be wrong here... that it is the same card in both s

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