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."

Comments

restricted extras

[Ash-Fox]

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."

Because start menu -> Add/remove programs -> Ticking 'ubuntu restricted extras' to get proprietary codecs, flash, java etc. is so much harder than 'Click2Run'.

Re:But will they be cheaper?

[Jimmy King]

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.

Re:Proprietary Codecs?

[CastrTroy]

There's a couple options for you.

1) Install a 32 bit browser, along with a bunch of 32 bit libraries. Downside is this takes up extra disk space for the 32 bit libraries, and your browser is only 32 bit. Upside is the rest of your computer is 64 bit, and I don't really think there's a real need to have your browser running in 64 bit.

2) Wine at Adobe until they release 64 bit flash for linux. I think this will be a while, considering they completely skipped version 8 for Linux, and I'm pretty sure version 9 is still in beta.

Re:Is it going to be completely Ubuntu?

[LevonB]

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.

Sounds like they're doing it right

[bl8n8r]

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.

Re:Sounds like they're doing it right

[Poppler]

Even better, they're going to push hardware vendors to write Linux drivers:

For hardware options not offered with this release, we are working with the vendors of those devices to improve the maturity and stability of their associated Linux drivers. While this may not happen overnight, we do expect to have a broader range of hardware support with Linux over time.

Re:Support DREAM

[mhall119]

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...

Re:Proprietary Codecs?

[MadTinfoilHatter]

2) Wine at Adobe until they release 64 bit flash for linux. I think this will be a while, considering they completely skipped version 8 for Linux, and I'm pretty sure version 9 is still in beta.

First a slight correction: Adobe flash v9 came out of beta in January this year.
Then an addition of a third available option:

3) You can install the Netscape plugin wrapper http://www.gibix.net/projects/nspluginwrapper/ which allows you to use 32-bit plugins on a 64-bit browser. It works with Netscape and Mozilla browsers.

Re:Proprietary Codecs?

[wellingj]

I just installed Debian Etch on my new Thinkpad. Debian is one of the most free distros around.
mp3 mpg avi divix all worked out of the box. I had to install 1 package and DVD is now working.

Re:Support DREAM

[mhall119]

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/