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Dell Linux Details
jon_anderson_ca writes "Dell, through their direct2dell website, has released some details of their soon-to-be-available Linux machines. Among the highlights: Only hardware that works with Linux is offered; open-source drivers are used where possible; binary drivers for Intel wireless cards, etc.; and no support for proprietary media codecs. Seems reasonable, but it's too bad that Click2Run isn't in Ubuntu 7.04 for the sake of those wanting to (legally) play DVDs, use AVI files, etc." The direct2dell site divulges no details on what models will be offered with Linux. For those we turn to linuxquestions.org, where proprietor Jeremy published a scoop last week: "We will be launching a Linux based OS (Ubuntu) on the E520, 1505 and XPS 410 starting next Thursday, 5/24."
Which proprietary codecs aren't specifically supported? There's a version of LinDVD you can get for Mandriva that AFIAK is completely legal. What about talking with apple and getting some Quicktime codecs. What about other Codecs like MP3 that aren't included in some distros, yet are included in others? Either way, I don't really think it will be a bad thing. Anybody ordering a Linux machine will know how to get their own codecs, or will know someone who does (this will be the person telling them to get the computer). I don't see any noticeable percentage of people buying a linux machine who won't be at the direction of somebody who linux-knowledgable. However, I think that if they don't include things like MP3 playing capability then it's a garauteed failure for all such users, no matter the percentage.
Anthropic principle: We see the universe the way it is because if it were different we would not be here to see it.
Change is certain; progress is not obligatory.
I would think we could look at their current Linux supported offerings, the PowerEdge line, to get an idea.
Base price is no OS.
+ $261 for RHEL5 w/ 1 year support
+ $785 for RHEL5 w/ 3 year support
+ $105 for Suse 10 EL w/ 1 year support
+ $262 for Suse 10 EL w/ 3 year support
+ $599 for Windows Server 2003 Standard
+ $974 for Windows 2003 SBS
This seems pretty in-line with what the pricing was when the company I work for bought a Linux compatible Optiplex last year.
With that in mind, I would imagine that the Ubuntu desktops will also be less expensive than the same desktop with Windows on it.
I think you can't because customers wouldn't stand for it. You COULD install it on Linux, but not if you're targeting your offering to Linux nerds as opposed to Linux n00bs. (And I say this as a Linux nerd.)
They currently have a yum repository: http://linux.dell.com/repo/software/ I can only imagine they would have a debian based repository as well.
Levon Barker
I've never liked Dell, but they seem to be doing it right.
* The default software from the Ubuntu media will be installed
* hardware options thoroughly tested by the Linux team
* restricted drivers where there is no equivalent open-source driver.
* wiki page that gives technical details
* recommend Linux users buy Dell printers that have PostScript engines in them.
* We are evaluating options for providing (mp3/wma/etc codecs) this support in the future.
They're not rolling their own distro (hello Oracle), they're checking out the hardware focusing on GPL drivers wherever possible, documenting via wiki, recommending Postscript supported printers, and they aren't ruling out the *legal* mp3 support down the road. They seem to just be saying "We are trying to figure something out with this mp3 royalty mess". Not to mention, they *must* be pissing off Microsoft big-time. I bet Balmer has chairs tatooed with the Dell execs names on them, just waiting for the right time. That's not like Dell either, historically. They are usually just another little m$ bitch when Bill cracks the whip. Maybe this is a new era for Dell.
boycott slashdot February 10th - 17th check out: altSlashdot.org
Heh, you must not use Ubuntu 7.04.
Here's how it would actually work...
Customer gets WMV file from his kid.
Customer double-clicks WMV file, or right-clicks and selects "Open with Movie Player"
Ubuntu: This file requires additional codecs to play, would you like me to install them?
Customer: Yes please
(wait 1 minute)
Ubuntu: All done, enjoy your movie!
Customer happily watches their WMV.
The next day, Customer sends his Windows kid some awesome Theora file...
http://www.mhall119.com
I've got a Dell Inspiron 9400 which I believe is the E1705 (depending on market) and tried the Ubuntu 7.04 live cd.
Everything worked perfectly with no extra effort.
It prompted me when it reached the desktop that it needed to use a binary driver to make the wireless work, and work it did.
It prompted me that it needed to use a closed source driver to make the nVidia 7900 GS work, and work it did.
I stuck a SD Card into the side card reader and it promptly mounted and allowed me to move files on and off.
The sound works flawlessly.
The DVD burner works.
The touchpad works.
An external hdd and mouse worked.
I'm not sure what else anyone can want.
As far as the average home user goes, just about anything you need can be found within 10 minutes on the forums or various tutorials and how-tos via google.
Paid support from Canonical (source):
9-5: $250/yr (USD)
24x7: $900/yr (USD)
Not nescessearly when they go on sale, but my next laptop will be a Dell for sure. Not because it is distributed with Ubuntu, but because I now can install the distro of my choice and know the hardware is supported
Theora is a patent-free, royalty-free open-source video codec. It's the video counterpart to the Vorbis audio codec and competitor to MPEG4 and WMV.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theora
http://xiph.org/
http://www.mhall119.com