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Dell Says High Linux Netbook Returns a "Non-Issue"

Posted by kdawson on from the data-trumping-bluster dept.

Michiel Roos notes that at this week's OpenSource World, a Dell executive deflated Microsoft's claims that Linux notebooks have return rates four or five times higher than Windows machines. "Todd Finch, Dell senior product marketing manager, said the number of Linux returns are approximately the same as those for Windows netbooks. He categorized the matter of returns as a 'non-issue.' 'They are making something of nothing,' he said of Microsoft's claims."

13 of 324 comments (clear)

  1. Playing with words by BadAnalogyGuy · · Score: 4, Funny

    Microsoft's Turner said that Linux netbooks are being returned at a rate 4 to 5 times higher than Windows netbooks. Dell hasn't disputed this fact at all. Linux netbooks *are* being returned at a very high rate, and Dell's Finch says so right in the article:

    Where consumers have returned machines, Finch said, it wasn't because of technical problems but because they'd bought a low-priced machine expecting Windows and opened it to find a different interface.

    The difference is that people are returning the Windows netbooks because of technical reasons (broken hardware) and Linux netbooks because they don't want Linux.

    That's a win for Microsoft, no matter how you spin it.

  2. Troll? or data... you decide. by starglider29a · · Score: 3, Funny

    I wonder what the return rate is of Macs is? Esp from Best Buy?

    1. Re:Troll? or data... you decide. by Scragglykat · · Score: 4, Funny

      I didn't think you could return a Mac without first signing a legal document binding you to not speak of the return to anyone for the rest of your life... guess we'll never know. :o)

    2. Re:Troll? or data... you decide. by gbarules2999 · · Score: 4, Funny

      Dear user,

      Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, your question was not sleek, white, and shiny, so we are unable to process your request.

      Kisses,
      Apple Customer Service

  3. Re:in your face microsoft! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    The people who return Linux netbooks do so because they can't find the big blue "e" on the desktop. To hell with them, I say.

    Linux is fucking king now. Linux shits all over the chests and faces of the MS-loving ignorami and fucks their wives and sisters. The strong survive and run or migrate to Linux, the weak do not live on because they are cuckolded by Linux users.

    We, the Linux users, are fucking king...no, GODS. We are the gods who demand sacrifice! Ha. Ha ha. HahahHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAA!

    -- Ethanol-fueled

  4. Same Number or Same percentage? by abigsmurf · · Score: 2, Funny

    Incredibly vague wording there that means his quote can be interpreted either way. Windows machines outsell Linux ones so if they're experiencing the same number of returns, it indicates people are less happy with the Windows one. Did he really mean same percentage or same number?

    Also, given that this was a Dell rep at an Open Source show, he wasn't exactly going to go "yeah, Linux hasn't really been working for us, it sucks, we'll be switching to Windows".

  5. Re:in your face microsoft! by HermMunster · · Score: 5, Funny

    Me thinks he's been nipping at the ethanol a bit too much and it's not even noon.

    --
    You can lead a man with reason but you can't make him think.
  6. Re:in your face microsoft! by micheas · · Score: 2, Funny

    It was rejected by slashcode.

    --
    Work bio at MMWD
  7. Re:in your face microsoft! by Lumpy · · Score: 4, Funny

    Problem is he was not drinking ethanol.. Methanol.. He's gone raving mad....

    Dang it, now he's drinking the salt water from the reef tank in the lobby. STOP THAT! I gotta go and try and catch him before the boss get's back.

    --
    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  8. Re:IdeaStorm's Top Ideas by Lumpy · · Score: 4, Funny

    you did not put the rest on the list...

    They get wierd after #15...

    16. Sell it with a free pony.
    17. Can I get mine in plaid?
    18. I want fur everywhere on it.
    19. Get rid of the keyboard and put a mouse in the middle.
    20. PONIES!!!!!!!
    21. Stop making them so confusing, What it is with having the whole alphabet on the keyboard.
    22. Send it via Email instead of FedEx.
    23. Make it waterproof, I'm on my third one because of spills.

    --
    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
  9. Re:in your face microsoft! by s4m7 · · Score: 2, Funny

    So is that like a uh... Cleaveland Steamer?

    I believe we're calling this one the "Redmond Steamer."

    --
    This comment is fully compliant with RFC 527.
  10. Re:Here's another fact. by rxan · · Score: 2, Funny

    Well.. well... gad damn!

  11. Re:in your face microsoft! by masshuu · · Score: 4, Funny

    This?
    +----------+
    |  PLEASE  |
    |  DO NOT  |
    | FEED THE |
    |  TROLLS  |
    +----------+
        |  |
        |  |
      .\|.||/..

    --
    O.o