Dell Thinks Ubuntu Makes Hardware More Fragile?

WolfWings writes "Apparently Dell has decided that Ubuntu-based computers are ineligible for their famed CompleteCare service, or any form of hardware warranty what-so-ever. The news has only recently hit Dell's own IdeaStorm website, via a forum post describing an interaction with the company's customer service. Says the customer, 'I am looking for protection from bricks. The laws of physics do not differ from one OS to the other...do they?' After so recently decided to support Linux on their machines, including limited technical support, Dell seems to be squandering any possible good-will with this decision to leave purchasers of these machines high and dry for hardware warranty coverage." Update: 06/05 23:40 GMT by KD : many readers let us know that Dell has said that the omission of extended warranty and CompleteCare options from the configurator for Ubuntu systems was an "ordering system glitch." It should be fixed by now according to DesktopLinux.com.

Of course...

[Zencyde]

Windows has support for the Ageia PhysX card. Physics moves a little more smoothly and a brick will dent a Windows box in a more realistic manner than a Linux box. I hope that clears things up. ~Dell Customer Support.

The Masons!

[richdun]

I am looking for protection from bricks.

In that case, you should buy double protection for Windows machines. I've seen Windows brick far more machines than Linux.

Of course, we all know who is really behind this aversion to protection from bricks.

*cue Simpsons-style song and dance*

Re:Not to excuse Dell, but maybe

[Anonymous Coward]

Absolutely! Everyone on Slashdot should be added to a "no-buy" list. They are much more likely to open up their Dell and pour chocolate sauce inside.

I have a simple solution [system76.com] to this issue.

Re:Support

[Culture20]

Dell has had a CentOS based diagnostic disk for their servers for a while now. Desktop line software engineers, I'd like you to meet Server line software engineers. Collaborate.

Re:Slash chucks out non-html breaks

[cayenne8]

"In my opinion, Slashdot should remove the Submit button from the post screen, and force everyone to preview."

But, that would make it more difficult to get teh frist post!!!

Re:I'm the Ubuntu Forums guy

[Kennon]

How much do you have to weigh in order to qualify for the "FAT administrator" title at Canonical? I know that it is around 275lbs for just Fat but to rate all caps must be rough.