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Dell Says High Linux Netbook Returns a "Non-Issue"
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."
Actually there is no lie here. Finch has stated that the number of returns, not the rate of returns, for Linux and Windows are about the same. Considering that Windows boxes constitute many more sales, it is just basic mathematics to show that the rate of return will be higher for the product that has a lower volume of total sales.
Debunked? Okay, hey, you want names, here you go. The three BIGGEST sellers at the local supercenter, according to the guy I know working the electronics desk. Here they are buddy!
1.-The Lexmark all in one, which is a HOT seller here. Thanks to Walgreen's refilling the carts for a whole $10 (hoping you'll shop while you're there) so they are cheap to buy ($39) AND to use. 2.-Wifi USB sticks, which I have found is becoming quite popular with those that have desktops as well as laptops. Never have to run a line again! Just use a USB Wifi stick and add another to your home network in minutes. 3.-USB TV Tuners This one came out of left feild, but since the switch to digital TV has become VERY hot, especially among laptop owners, but I have had desktop customers ask as well. they like being able to plug the stick in like a thumbdrive and have 'instant TV".
I'm sorry, I wish it wasn't so, and that support was as easy as Windows with regards to drivers, but that just ain't how it is s4m7, and I have to deal with today's reality. Maybe in a few years Linux will reah the "tipping point" but it just ain't there yet. there is still too much CLI, too many devices being sold today at the above retailers with ZERO Linux support, and the costs with supporting Linux simply eats all my profits and then some. I can't dump my tech support on some poor bastard in India, i have to do it. And at $75 an hour a few hours jumping through CLI when something breaks or wasting time on forums trying to find a driver that will work and it simply ends up cheaper to pay the "Windows Tax". Nothing personal Linux guys, it is just business.
ACs don't waste your time replying, your posts are never seen by me.
I've bought the wrong version of Windows many times. In 1999, I bought a Win98 machine and another with WinME when I really wanted laptops with Linux. Later, I bought at least three XP machines when I wanted Linux ones.
Unfortunately, I couldn't return the laptops for the models I really wanted so I had to keep the "wrong" ones.
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