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Linux Preinstalled Dell Available Soon

Posted by samzenpus on from the dude-you-got-open-source dept.

An anonymous reader writes "According to a BetaNews article, Dell confirmed on Wednesday plans to offer Linux pre-installed on select desktop and notebook systems, beyond its current Linux-based servers and Precision workstations. No specific time frame was given for the expanded Linux plans, although the company said in a blog posting that it will provide an update in the coming weeks regarding the effort. It will detail 'information on which systems we will offer, our testing and certification efforts, and the Linux distribution(s) that will be available,' Dell said, adding that, 'The countdown begins today.'"

5 of 305 comments (clear)

  1. Great by mastershake_phd · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Now just tell me it costs less than, or at least the same as, the same PC with Windows pre-installed.

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    1. Re:Great by davmoo · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Unless the Linux world comes up with a way to give Dell all the kickbacks and payoffs that the Windows world does, I don't see how Dell could possibly offer a Linux machine for less than, or even the same price as, a Windows machine. I hope Dell can prove me wrong, but I ain't holding my breath for it.

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  2. is there a politician in the room? by davmoo · · Score: 5, Insightful

    If in fact "no specific time frame was given", then how the fuck can "the countdown begins today"? Counting down to an undetermined date is like counting up to inifinity. And I have a feeling Dell knows this. This way they can talk the talk without having to actually walk the walk and either lose money or anger Microsoft.

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  3. Now it's up to the linux users by mwvdlee · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Now it's up to the linux users to actually buy those Dell systems they've been begging to come pre-installed with Linux for so long, to prove it wasn't just meaningless bitching and that they actually want Dells with Linux.

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  4. Re:Let the cheering being... by smartr · · Score: 5, Insightful

    One thing I haven't seen is a Windows coming with OpenOffice, Firefox, The Gimp, and Audacity preinstalled. Sure, anyone could go download those for free, but how many 'regular joes' know to do so? Every new install of Windoes I've seen has come preloaded with crapware. Most 'mom and pops' won't want to actually buy a full version of Microsoft Office, so OpenOffice preinstalled fits their needs much better. I honestly think that when people see how much "more" a prebuilt linux system has to offer, there will be some very happy customers. If Dell doesn't lose too many income earning deals with software companies because of this, this will be a huge win for Dell.