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

Re:But will they be cheaper?

[westlake]

On one hand it is financially cheaper for Dell to offer the machines without Windows.

This assumes that OEM Linux can succeed for Dell where it failed for Walmart - in delivering mass-market sales. Marketing is expensive. Maintaining a dual inventory and support structure is expensive. The product with the 1% market share gets the axe.

And yes, you can play Theora in WMP

[tepples]

Ubuntu: This file requires additional codecs to play, would you like me to install them? Replace "Ubuntu" with "Linspire, a distribution of Ubuntu", and that's about right. Linspire's CNR press release states its plan to make proprietary codecs available through CNR.

The next day, Customer sends his Windows kid some awesome Theora file... Kid goes to Google or Yahoo! or MSN, looks up windows theora player, and finds the Theora plug-in for Windows Media Player.