Dell Ubuntu

[shawger]

I can't wait to see how Ubuntu's bug-handling system will handle this new influx of users. Dell obviously won't be supporting Ubuntu, which means that
a) There will be a massive increase of dumb posts on the Ubuntu forums (not that there isn't a lot already!)
b) Ubuntu will start to have a lot of bugs filled which may or may not be actual bugs. Either way, this will pile up a lot of work for the developers.
c) Combination of a + b
d) Users will try out Ubuntu, do something stupid or fall into one of Ubuntu's inadequacies, and determine that Linux sucks.

I definitely view this as a positive move on Dell's part, I'm just wondering if Ubuntu is really ready to take on the challenge that a whole bunch of new users will represent. If they can meet the challenge, then desktop Linux will have moved forward in a big way.

[JoeXIII'007]

Originally Posted by shawger

I can't wait to see how Ubuntu's bug-handling system will handle this new influx of users. Dell obviously won't be supporting Ubuntu, which means that
a) There will be a massive increase of dumb posts on the Ubuntu forums (not that there isn't a lot already!)
b) Ubuntu will start to have a lot of bugs filled which may or may not be actual bugs. Either way, this will pile up a lot of work for the developers.
c) Combination of a + b
d) Users will try out Ubuntu, do something stupid or fall into one of Ubuntu's inadequacies, and determine that Linux sucks.

I definitely view this as a positive move on Dell's part, I'm just wondering if Ubuntu is really ready to take on the challenge that a whole bunch of new users will represent. If they can meet the challenge, then desktop Linux will have moved forward in a big way.

I somewhat doubt your a b c and d thing, because I have a feeling Dell will package a CD with every ubuntu computer they sell, offering a user-friendly program to deal with issues, OR they will have figured out a system to be certain that every ubuntu customer gets what they want, so when they get the PC, its just plug and play, no issues. My experience with Ubuntu has been 1.) got an issue or demand of something, 2.) find a fix or a source of what I want, 3.) done, and not have to deal with it again (knocks wood). This is probably what Dell will do for the average consumer (for the sake of good customer service).

As far as the whole Dell and Ubuntu deal is concerned, being a user of Ubuntu since last November, I think I might be convinced to get a new laptop, or PC for the home from Dell. I think I'll try and get my mom and dad to get one as well.

Short: very cool.

[shawger]

But there are some things Dell will never be able to provide for Ubuntu, even if they actually support it. For example, Microsoft Office will not run on Ubuntu. Ok, use openoffice. The problem is that openoffice isn't Microsoft Office and isn't fully compatible or even as functional. The same goes for Photoshop, and all the other mainstream Windows applications.

And how many users will go find a fix for whatever problem they have? You or I might, but the average person won't do that for themselves. They'll call Dell and Dell's customer support won't have a clue what they're talking about.

Of course Dell will make sure that the computers are pre-loaded with whatever drivers/settings are required to make the machine run properly the first time. The main issues will occur when people don't see the familiar software names.

[Pat McCarthy]

Hopefully, the Ubuntu laptops will be cheaper than the Windows laptops, I could use a nice cheap lappy.

[whytheheckme]

Originally Posted by Pat McCarthy

Hopefully, the Ubuntu laptops will be cheaper than the Windows laptops, I could use a nice cheap lappy.

EVERYTHING will be cheaper, without that nice hefty M$ price tag on top. Dell's lower models' (desktops) price tags are half (or more!) Windows! Watch out! Cheap computers are soon to come!

Jacob

[Pat McCarthy]

Originally Posted by www.dell.com/ubuntu
Dell recommends Windows Vista™ Home Premium.

That is now gone! Shows how they really think.

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by whytheheckme

EVERYTHING will be cheaper, without that nice hefty M$ price tag on top. Dell's lower models' (desktops) price tags are half (or more!) Windows! Watch out! Cheap computers are soon to come!

Jacob

Dell's cheapest (that I could find) PC is $359 with Vista Home Basic. The OEM cost of Vista Home Basic (from newegg) is $95, so only about 1/4 of the cost. However, Dell sells in much higher volume and would get windows for a much better price then you can buy on newegg. Also, Dell bundles many applications with their PCs. Each company probably pays Dell to bundle their program, otherwise Dell wouldn't do it.

Overall, I bet it costs Dell nothing for Windows.

It's unlikely that Dell could get any money for bundling applications with Linux. They also have to spend a significant amount of time and money in testing and all the other facets of starting to install Linux.

I doubt that when they do start shipping Linux PCs, they will be any cheaper then Windows PCs and quite possibly be more expensive.


(typed on a Dell Laptop running Ubuntu)

[KTorak]

Personally, I don't think anyone who didn't actually know what they were doing, would buy a pc with Linux. It just doesn't seem like you could drag them out of their Windows environment.

[Alexa Stott]

Originally Posted by KTorak

Personally, I don't think anyone who didn't actually know what they were doing, would buy a pc with Linux. It just doesn't seem like you could drag them out of their Windows environment.

While this is true, the fact that it is more accessible might get people to think about trying something out. I know people aren't going to say "Oh, this looks pretty cool, let's try it!" But I know that I have informed some people about Linux (specifically Ubuntu, that being my distro of choice), and perhaps they'll see it and go "Hey, isn't this what that crazy girl is always talking about?"

It makes Ubuntu far more accessible to people who aren't "in the know," as well as giving it some sort of credibility.

Also, if the computers do end up being cheaper (even if it's only by a little bit), some people will simply see the smaller price tag.

Still, I'm really interested to see how well this all goes for Dell, and if other companies will start offering Linux.

[JoeXIII'007]

Originally Posted by KTorak

Personally, I don't think anyone who didn't actually know what they were doing, would buy a pc with Linux. It just doesn't seem like you could drag them out of their Windows environment.

You know... if Dell marketed how the Ubuntu system came with everything (Office, Web, etc. etc.) without the need for extra cash, that you could add some more stuff with a few clicks (main menu -> add/remove command), and have a pretty and customizable GUI (for the 'bling' of the OS), then they might be able to drag them away from Windows while Norton is still scanning for viruses.

That's just theory though.

[Ryan Dognaux]

Originally Posted by Joe Ross

I doubt that when they do start shipping Linux PCs, they will be any cheaper then Windows PCs and quite possibly be more expensive.

I'm going to have to echo what Joe is saying here. There is no way that Dell is paying full price for a copy of Windows. Computers are getting cheap, but not THAT cheap, not to the point where Dell will sell a desktop for under 300, even if they could. It's business, plain and simple. Why charge less for a desktop with Ubuntu if people will pay the same price? It might be slightly cheaper, but I really don't expect to see any 200 dollar computers from Dell in the near future.

And seriously, I can't hate Microsoft. The Xbox360 is just too good