Slashdot Mirror
Dell Refuses to Sell Ubuntu to Business
An anonymous reader writes "I had a surreal experience with Dell today.
My boss asked me to order a new computer for our small, non-profit business. Wanting to support Dell in their decision to sell computers with Ubuntu installed, I decided to order one.
First, I talked to a small business representative, who informed me that I could not order one of the Ubuntu-based computers through the small business department. I had to go through the "home and home office" department.
I called the Home office department. I asked the representative if I could buy one of the ubuntu computers for my company. She said (and I quote), "these Dell computers are designed for personal use only, as long as you use it for personal use, you can purchase one."
So I lied and said I would....
Next, I tried to buy it on our business credit card. They would have none of that. She told me that I had to buy it through a personal card. Now, as a non-profit, our business does not pay sales tax (10% in Tennessee). Had I bought it with my own card, I would have had to pay tax (~$90), which my company would not have reimbursed me for. So.....no Dell today."
If you ever want to see someone laugh until they puke, try telling Dell's lawyers that they're violating the GPL and there are consequences.
They don't give a shit. Plus, Ubuntu will probably lean on anyone who tries to enforce the GPL on these grounds, since they're partnered (technically) with Dell now and that's a relationship they need to protect.
Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.
Probably this idiot decided to see how far he could take this, by repeatedly claiming that he wasn't a business when asked, and then offering his business CC. All this as part of 'investigative journalism' that brought this shocking scandal to the front page of slashdot. If he had simply rung back and spoke to a different salesperson, he would have got away with it. Or use the Internet, for fuck's sake.
The serious reportage involved in this story also explains why he didn't end up buying a computer. It's not a quite as impressive to end the story with "So I called back, told a white lie, and got the machine shipped out." as "Dell lost my custom, and perhaps.. that of a million others!!
my password really is 'stinkypants'
Held accountable? When did Dell promise you to be your Linux savior? Dell owes you nothing. But please, keep whining.
Software *can* put an extraordinary strain on hardware though... like running IDE drives without DMA, etc.
But I still don't see how this could void a hardware warranty, or whether it would be legal to do so.
...and charging rediculous prices too.
Is that more than ridiculous prices?