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Dell's list of why to buy one with Ubuntu

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Re: Dell's list of why to buy one with Ubuntu

#31
post #9

Is Microsoft still subsidizing windows to meet linux system price points? I bought an Ubuntu loaded HPMini9 and saved about one hundred dollars over the windows version. That's the real value in my opinion. Not just at the sale but the investment in linux familiarity means a free(as in beer) alternative becomes usable going into the future. My main PC has seen 2 windows versions so far, both paid for.

Comparing the Mini10, it appears to be cheaper with Windows XP, at $279 to the Ubuntu version's $299. The CPU with Windows is also a Z530 as opposed to the Ubuntu version's N450. The Z530 uses less power and has hyperthreading.

Re: Dell's list of why to buy one with Ubuntu

#33
post #14

Their list isn't compelling. Especially for a mainstream consumer. The list basically argues that Ubuntu doesn't suck. Most of the topics try to position Ubuntu as comparable to Windows. Being comparable isn't going to motivate a consumer to switch. Especially when they have been using Windows for xx years. Too much selling features, not enough selling benefits.

That's probably as far as MS allows them to.

With margins as low as any PC maker, Dell cannot risk pissing Microsoft off.

Re: Dell's list of why to buy one with Ubuntu

#34
post #9

Is Microsoft still subsidizing windows to meet linux system price points? I bought an Ubuntu loaded HPMini9 and saved about one hundred dollars over the windows version. That's the real value in my opinion. Not just at the sale but the investment in linux familiarity means a free(as in beer) alternative becomes usable going into the future. My main PC has seen 2 windows versions so far, both paid for.

The problem is a lot of companies pay the manufacturers like Dell, HP to load on software. Google have done this, Real, and lots of less scrupulous players. So it may actually make the computer cheaper with Windows than Linux.

Of course, another reason to get Linux, unless you intend to re-install windows. This does suck if you want to not give any money to Microsoft.

I am pretty sure Microsoft don't charge $100 for the netbook version of XP.

Re: Dell's list of why to buy one with Ubuntu

#35
post #31
post #9

Is Microsoft still subsidizing windows to meet linux system price points? I bought an Ubuntu loaded HPMini9 and saved about one hundred dollars over the windows version. That's the real value in my opinion. Not just at the sale but the investment in linux familiarity means a free(as in beer) alternative becomes usable going into the future. My main PC has seen 2 windows versions so far, both paid for.

Comparing the Mini10, it appears to be cheaper with Windows XP, at $279 to the Ubuntu version's $299. The CPU with Windows is also a Z530 as opposed to the Ubuntu version's N450. The Z530 uses less power and has hyperthreading.

According to Intel, the N450 also has HT.

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=42503

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=35463

It's interesting to compare them

Re: Dell's list of why to buy one with Ubuntu

#37

Ubuntu connects you to the Internet in seconds Seconds from when? From a few seconds before you connect to the Internet? I'm impressed.

I got a new laptop with built-in 3G modem and Ubuntu was able to connect me to the Internet without me needing to load any extra drivers, which wouldn't be the case with Windows or OSX.

Re: Dell's list of why to buy one with Ubuntu

#38
post #14

Their list isn't compelling. Especially for a mainstream consumer. The list basically argues that Ubuntu doesn't suck. Most of the topics try to position Ubuntu as comparable to Windows. Being comparable isn't going to motivate a consumer to switch. Especially when they have been using Windows for xx years. Too much selling features, not enough selling benefits.

Look at the flash video on the side. Its arguments are much more compelling. Too bad they put it where you usually see unrelated ads.

Re: Dell's list of why to buy one with Ubuntu

#39
post #37

Ubuntu connects you to the Internet in seconds Seconds from when? From a few seconds before you connect to the Internet? I'm impressed.

I got a new laptop with built-in 3G modem and Ubuntu was able to connect me to the Internet without me needing to load any extra drivers, which wouldn't be the case with Windows or OSX.

which wouldn't be the case with Windows or OSX

I don't think this is true.

Re: Dell's list of why to buy one with Ubuntu

#40
post #37

Ubuntu connects you to the Internet in seconds Seconds from when? From a few seconds before you connect to the Internet? I'm impressed.

I got a new laptop with built-in 3G modem and Ubuntu was able to connect me to the Internet without me needing to load any extra drivers, which wouldn't be the case with Windows or OSX.

It evolved a lot recently.

I just installed Ubuntu Lucid, and it detected both my built-in Wifi card and my 3G modem.

Granted ... I had to go System -> Administration -> Hardware Drivers to have the drivers installed for both (as both are considered proprietary because of firmware or some shit). But it was a painless process.

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