Dell + Ubuntu = low cost PCs

[JaJae]

Dell Picks Ubuntu Linux For Consumer PCs

Desktops and notebooks with the open source operating system will be released in the coming weeks, according to a Dell spokesman.

By Antone Gonsalves, InformationWeek
May 1, 2007
URL: Dell Picks Ubuntu Linux For Consumer PCs -- Linux -- InformationWeek

Dell on Tuesday said that it would sell consumer desktops and notebooks with Ubuntu Linux in the "coming weeks," taking the open source operating system to the mainstream consumer.

The computer maker said last month that it would offer Linux in consumer PCs, but had yet to chose a flavor. In opting to offer Linux as an alternative to Windows, Dell is responding to strong customer demand for the machines on the company's online sounding board, IdeaStorm.

"We will offer select consumer desktop and notebook products with Ubuntu 7.04 in the coming weeks," a Dell spokesman said in an e-mail.

Dell has declined to discuss configurations, so it's not known whether it would offer a desktop or notebook at a price lower than PCs running Microsoft Windows. Dell could also opt to sell higher-end Linux machines that would appeal to tech enthusiasts.

Whatever the price range, Dell will have to be sure to spell out what the systems can do and who's best suited for such a machine. Selling the computers to mainstream consumers unaccustomed to a non-Windows system could lead to some major support headaches. "They'll have to be very clear in the marketing of the system," said Richard Shim, analyst for IDC.

In general, however, consumers are expected to stay clear of Linux, which could prove challenging for less-savvy computer users. Among the problems associated with the OS is the lack of drivers for some peripherals. In addition, many popular Windows applications are unavailable on Linux. "They're bound to have some headaches," Shim said of Dell support. "It's just to what degree."

Ubuntu 7.04, code-named Feisty Fawn, is the latest release of the operating system that's considered among the most consumer-friendly Linux distributions. A community of open source developers that formed three years ago is responsible for the OS.

At least half of the Linux fans who participated in an IdeaStorm survey, said they wanted Dell to ship free, open source software with the operating system and drivers available under the GNU General Public License, which also covers Linux.

Dell won't say which software it plans to ship with the machines, but it has said it's committed to using open source drivers whenever possible. Drivers that already ship with the Linux kernel, such as those for storage, wired networking, power management, and USB ports, won't be a problem. In cases where there's a choice between proprietary and open source, such as in wireless network adapters and printers, Dell will go with the latter. There will be exceptions, however, such as 3-D drivers for video cards, for which Dell has decided to provide proprietary versions. In those cases, it comes down to what works best.

Dell won't say whether it will offer hardware-only support with the Linux PCs, but it has been quick to point out how much Linux support is available online through the open source community. Dell, which sells preinstalled Linux servers, has on its site forums for system administrators, as well as for Linux hobbyists.

This is absolutely amazing. Dell finally shipping consumer PCs with Linux operating systems. Finally Microsoft has some competition. This is an outstanding move by Dell. I can't imagine the type of support they'd give for Ubuntu if at all, but this is a great introduce to Linux for the average consumer and Dell is a great outlet to get it out.

[motivez]

Any time you want to buy a PC or Notebook from a major manufacturer like Dell, HP, etc.. you essentially have to pay a "Windows Tax" on the computer, because whether or not you want it with the system, prices reflect a cost of purchasing Windows for the vast majority of their computers.

[JaJae]

Originally Posted by motivez

Any time you want to buy a PC or Notebook from a major manufacturer like Dell, HP, etc.. you essentially have to pay a "Windows Tax" on the computer, because whether or not you want it with the system, prices reflect a cost of purchasing Windows for the vast majority of their computers.

Yea this is great. A lot of people upgrade their computers and end up with a computer they don't use and a brand new license of Windows as well. So many people could just recycle their Windows Key. This is also a great alternative to keep prices down. Imagine killing $75 or so on their low end laptops for a cheap school notebook for under $500.

[JaJae]

They have a survey up to help narrow the specs down and properly customize the systems..
Direct2Dell - Dell's Blog

[Nonphixion]

This coming right after Dell made the decision to PULL Vista as a standard on some countries PC's, and not even offering it in others. These are hugely counter to Microsoft's on-going Monopoly of the software OS market.

[Kytro]

Originally Posted by Nonphixion

This coming right after Dell made the decision to PULL Vista as a standard on some countries PC's, and not even offering it in others. These are hugely counter to Microsoft's on-going Monopoly of the software OS market.

Not entirely, Microsoft will end OEM XP by the end of the year, probably.

[Ardentfrost]

Man, I wonder how much money this will cut out of their machines. Their Dimension C521 costs $359 base and includes Vista Home. Gotta figure if you got that with Linux, it'd have to go down by at least $50, probably more. A new computer for $300? That's pretty damn good.

[Diesel66]

fry's has vista/xp computers going for 300-400 and one for under 300

[kinggovernor]

the free market is amazing

[Ardentfrost]

Well, I guess this is a good start as an answer to the "how cheap can a computer get without windows" question...

$139 PC comes with Linux preinstalled

MadTux and Vector Linux today announced a Linux PC for the rock-bottom price of $139. The "Vector Linux Affordable Performance PC" comes with a 1.5GHz processor, 256MB RAM, 13.5GB hard drive, graphics and networking interfaces, and preinstalled Vector Linux, but requires a user-supplied monitor and keyboard.