Comments on: Dell: Ubuntu Desktop PC Is Back

By: Sindhudweep Sarkar

Sindhudweep Sarkar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:35:11 +0000

Looks like dell is no longer selling the Inspiron 15n on their website.

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/linux_3x?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

By: www.onlineisgreat.com

www.onlineisgreat.com — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:35:08 +0000

It’s great for US consumers Dell are so interested in Ubuntu in the US. But in the UK and elsewhere there’s little to nothing happening on this front. If Dell don’t make a serious effort soon I’ll have to shop around.Even in india they are looking out for this.

By: Anon

Anon — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:50:36 +0000

One little (but coming from Dell, not surprising) problem:

The Ubuntu version of the Inspiron 537 has no option for wifi at build time, but the Windows version of the same model does. Anyone care to comment on why?

By: Jef Spaleta

Jef Spaleta — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:12:23 +0000

@aikiwolfie:

I dispute your claim. WorkswithU isn’t much better than other blogging sites. This site, like others, felt it was perfectly okay to cite an anonymous source to give an inaccurate estimate of when the Dell Ubuntu desktop would arrive. That sort of thing is far from factual reporting.

-jef

By: Joe Panettieri

Joe Panettieri — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 20:55:29 +0000

Aikiwolfie: Thanks for the note. We work hard to report the news but we also layer in our opinions. And we certainly value constructive criticism. It keeps us honest and focused on our key priorities: Tracking Canonical’s strategy and Ubuntu’s potential progress (and challenges) across multiple markets.

By: aikiwolfie

aikiwolfie — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 13:20:01 +0000

Works With U from my point of view simply reports what’s actually happening. Which is a welcome breath of fresh air from the norm.

By: Joe Panettieri

Joe Panettieri — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:46:25 +0000

Brian@26: Nope, Dell doesn’t pay me to report the facts. I pointed out that Dell’s efforts have been hit and miss with Ubuntu. But I also welcome the constructive criticism from folks like you. I do keep in mind as we prepare future content.

By: aikiwolfie

aikiwolfie — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:08:16 +0000

Dells Ubuntu strategy in the UK has stopped dead. We still only have one netbook running 8.04.

And just for the record. By serious effort I mean start giving Ubuntu customers the same range of choice as Windows customers. I’m an Ubuntu customer. I’m looking for a tablet and an all in one. But I can’t find one.

Dell offers Ubuntu but not in the form factors I’m looking for. Such a let down. “Touch” does work with Linux by the way and it works pretty well at that.

By: shirish

shirish — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:14:46 +0000

Hi all,
I have another perspective to give. http://issuesaroundme.wordpress.com/2009/08/31/unable-to-get-an-laptop/

Now if there is any dell representative who wants to get hold of me please e-mail me. I live in Pune, Maharashtra, India. If there is some local representative it would be nice.

By: Leo

Leo — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:30:20 +0000

(For the record, my previous comment is “awaiting moderation”)

By: Nanotech

Nanotech — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:08:12 +0000

I think it is appalling that you can’t build to order without MSFT OS. I am so tired of limited support from the major players. We now order specific hardware and as on the laptop front we have no choice but wipe MSFT and install Linux WITH NO REFUND OF COST OF MSFT. How can they offer SERVERS with Linux and not desktops / laptops of the same high caliber they offer with MSFT.

In today’s economy Linux is making more inroads with Businesses and users

By: Built-to-order? Why then only ms-windows?

Built-to-order? Why then only ms-windows? — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:22:25 +0000

I’m currently based in Asia and “naturally” Dell doesn’t offer any non-Microsoft preloads in their few regional physical stores. A relative of mine is currently visiting USA for a few days, but Dell’s direct stores there also stock only MS preloads so no sale.

But I can’t fathom why they also refuse to sell non-MS systems via their “built-to-order” channels in Asia. Their BTO systems are built to whose order?

HP at least has some limited Linux offerings available via direct order and they’ve been willing to offer decent discounts to Linux users, although the concept of officially refunding Microsoft Tax is alien here.

I think local LUGs could be more active in challenging the status quo by working with local consumer protection groups (where available).

Notebooks in particular tend to only be available with compulsory MS preloads (with some occasional domestically branded exceptions), but lot of desktop PCs are still being built in corner shops so in those cases the MS Tax is also unofficial.

From my point of view Dell’s few hard-to-find non-MS preloads in the USA (only) are merely a token gesture aimed at placating local antitrust authorities, quite possibly with Steve “AYE LUUV THEEES COOOMPANYYY, YEAAAH!!!” Ballmer’s full blessing.