Dell to Sell Machines with Ubuntu Pre-Loaded

kotj.mf writes "Cnet is reporting that Dell will shortly announce a partnership with Canonical to offer Ubuntu pre-loaded on certain consumer-oriented desktops and notebooks. The announcement comes after a groundswell of support for pre-installed Linux on Dell's IdeaStorm site. 'The company is starting its business by trying to appeal to users of desktop computers. From there, Canonical Chief Executive Mark Shuttleworth has said, the company plans to head to the server market, where the real Linux bread and butter can be found. [Dell spokesman Kent] Cook wouldn't comment on whether Dell plans to offer Ubuntu on its servers as well.'."

Drivers

[WED Fan]

Do they plan to sell this on less capable machines because the drivers just aren't available for the latest and greatest of options? Or, will they still sell you a machine with the hottest hardware, but no ability to use it?

Dude, you got Ubuntu.

[EveryNickIsTaken]

Sorry, but it just doesn't have the same ring to it.

Obligatory

[eosp]

Does it run Li...ooh, it does!

Thanks you Dell

[jshriverWVU]

Now I can buy my first Dell w/ Ubuntu loaded already for me *tears up* it's a beautiful day :)

Linux on Dell

[oneandoneis2]

http://geekblog.oneandoneis2.org/index.php/2007/03 /29/linux_on_dell [oneandoneis2.org]

(To the tune of "Road to Hell")

Well I'm here to place an order
But there's a choice I don't know
It's weathered every crisis you can think of
And I came here to buy Vista
But the Windows joy I know
Is priced beyond belief way down in the shadows
And the need for anti-virus
Chokes the smile on every face
And common sense is screaming, "What the Hell!?"
This ain't no technological breakdown
Oh no, this is Linux on Dell

And I don't need to ask for credit
And there's nothing they can do
But watch the E.U.L.A.s, flying away from you
Oh look out world, take a good look
What goes down here
You must learn not to have fear of the G.P.L.
This ain't no vendor lock-in-forced upgrade
Oh no!
This is Linux
This is Linux
This is Linux on Dell

Re:Vista

[Anonymous Coward]

i'm having a parade tomorrow. perhaps you could drop by and piss all over it.

Re:Linux needs no Windows Tax

[TobascoKid]

But with Ubuntu installed, all you need to do is:

sudo apt-get install dell-crapplets

No need for Dell to send you a CD.

Re:Drivers

[sharkey]

Do they plan to sell this on less capable machines...?

Yes. It says so right in the title: "Dell".

Re:Yep.

[ColdWetDog]

the question for me is how their "offshore apology service" will hande tech support calls for linux related issues.

UbuntuNewbie: "I'm having a problem with my new computer".

DellSupportDrone: "Hi, I'm Bob from Wheatfield, Kansas - how can I help you?"

UbuntuNewbie: "Well, it works OK but I don't like the color scheme, how to I get the bright blues and reds my old computer had?"

DellSupportDrone: "Is the computer plugged in?."

UbuntuNewbie: "Yep, I did that.Like I said, it works OK but ... "

DellSupportDrone: "OK, reboot the computer three or four times."

UbuntuNewbie: "But...."

DellSupportDrone: "If that doesn't work, reinstall the operating system."

UbuntuNewbie: But...."

DellSupportDrone: "Thanks for calling Dell Support, have a nice day!"

Click

See, no problem. They don't even need to change the script.

Re:Depends

[level_headed_midwest]

I think I'd want a pickup truck to haul around the 1.5 kids. The one kid wouldn't be a problem, but that half of a kid would be awfully messy to have inside the vehicle.

Re:Vista

[russ1337]

>>>"I'm prepared to be proven wrong."

Bold words for an AC...

Is it just me, or does...

[Anonymous Coward]

...the name "Ubuntu" keep reminding anyone else about that old "Death by Bunga-Bunga" joke.

Re:Vista

[Anonymous Coward]

He is an imposter, it was my post. I post as an AC because I am too lazy to register, have more karma than I can handle and like to talk rubbish without being challenged.

Re:Vista vs Linux

[enharmonix]

You haven't checked out the prices of Macs lately have you?

Actually, come to think of it, no, because they've traditionally been so expensive. I suppose I ought to have taken a closer look when they -- I don't know -- moved to x86. Thanks for pointing that out. Cheers.

Re:Depends

[shut_up_man]

Except if the 0.5 kid was embedded in the 1 kid's chest, saying "Quaaaaiiidddd... start the reactor... freeeee Mars...." then it would okay. Well, it would still be a bit annoying, but you could always turn the music right up so you couldn't hear him.