Why do people using Linux need to know how to install it? Clearly, many people buy a laptop with Windows but have absolutely no idea how to install it or, for that matter, how it works. In fact, its this type of person who is IBM's biggest market. Surely, IBM's goal is to reduce any barrier to the uptake of these machines in that market. I'd say that's why they've chosen to support a particular brand of Linux rather than offer a cleanskin computer.
Also, on the subject of cost, have you any idea how much it will cost IBM to train and establish a support mechanism for these machines? I'd say a $20 saving is a pleasant surprise more than anything. Even price parity between Linux and Windows machines would be difficult to achieve early on, given the heavy discounting of MS products for OEMs, and the huge outlay IBM must have made to establish enough of a support network to bring these laptops to market!
Why is this a problem? Who cares whether Linux is ready for the desktop? What does that statement mean?
It is my desktop already. Has been for many years. I like having the choice of GUI APIs. The "problem" with Linux is not Linux itself. The "problem" is people who perceive this "choice" as a drawback! I don't want Linux to turn into a one size fits all system like Windows. If I wanted that, I'd use Windows.
The only thing I care about is my ability to use Linux in the way I want to use it, contribute to projects that I like to use and not to be told that I can't use it (i.e. DRM). I'm quite happy for Linux to remain a developers OS - after all that is what I am. Remember, it is the developers who contribute to Linux. Of course, people may use it without developing for it if they like but that doesn't give them the right to complain - they are getting something for free. If they don't like it, they can help to fix it, or just not use it. They can always fork out $250 for Windows Vista. Even if they do, they aren't going to stop me from continuing to use and improve Linux.
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Why do people using Linux need to know how to install it? Clearly, many people buy a laptop with Windows but have absolutely no idea how to install it or, for that matter, how it works. In fact, its this type of person who is IBM's biggest market. Surely, IBM's goal is to reduce any barrier to the uptake of these machines in that market. I'd say that's why they've chosen to support a particular brand of Linux rather than offer a cleanskin computer.
Also, on the subject of cost, have you any idea how much it will cost IBM to train and establish a support mechanism for these machines? I'd say a $20 saving is a pleasant surprise more than anything. Even price parity between Linux and Windows machines would be difficult to achieve early on, given the heavy discounting of MS products for OEMs, and the huge outlay IBM must have made to establish enough of a support network to bring these laptops to market!
Why is this a problem? Who cares whether Linux is ready for the desktop? What does that statement mean? It is my desktop already. Has been for many years. I like having the choice of GUI APIs. The "problem" with Linux is not Linux itself. The "problem" is people who perceive this "choice" as a drawback! I don't want Linux to turn into a one size fits all system like Windows. If I wanted that, I'd use Windows. The only thing I care about is my ability to use Linux in the way I want to use it, contribute to projects that I like to use and not to be told that I can't use it (i.e. DRM). I'm quite happy for Linux to remain a developers OS - after all that is what I am. Remember, it is the developers who contribute to Linux. Of course, people may use it without developing for it if they like but that doesn't give them the right to complain - they are getting something for free. If they don't like it, they can help to fix it, or just not use it. They can always fork out $250 for Windows Vista. Even if they do, they aren't going to stop me from continuing to use and improve Linux.