Dell's Ubuntu Ultrabook Now On Sale; Costs $50 More Than Windows Version 403
nk497 writes "Dell's 'Project Sputnik' laptop is now on sale. The XPS 13 Developer Edition comes with Ubuntu 12.04 pre-installed, and costs $1,549 — $50 more than the same model running Windows. The Ubuntu Ultrabook is the result of a skunkworks project to optimise the open-source OS to run on Dell projects, to create better laptops for developers. The idea of the project was to create a laptop for developers, based around 'the idea that developers are the kings of IT and set the agenda for web companies, who in turn, set the agenda for the whole industry,' Dell said." Reader skade88 points out a positive review from Ars Technica.
In other words ... (Score:5, Funny)
'the idea that developers are the kings of IT and set the agenda for web companies, who in turn, set the agenda for the whole industry,'
So what they meant to say was: Developers! Developers! Developers! Developers! [youtube.com]
Re: Boatware (Score:5, Funny)
Boatware - Dell have been at sea for ages and their profits are sinking
Re:$1500 for a 1366x768 TN display. (Score:5, Funny)
This laptop I walked in and said "I want one with the non-glare display". Processor speed, ram, etc were things I found I didn't really care about (I was going to go to Crucial and max it out aftermarket anyway). The applications I'm running most of the time are Xcode, Visual Studio, and Eclipse (yes it is a MacBook Pro).
Hell I got home and had to open up the hardware screen just to see what I had bought (Quad Core i7).
Re:Surprised? (Score:5, Funny)
If yopu sell windows laptops, and someone calls with a problem, support staff has to make the call as to whether this is a defect or not, and may have to help the user fix it, depending on the details.
From Dell? Do something different? I doubt it. Channeling a very old post -
- User calls up Dell Linux support --
SUPPORT: "Hi, I'm Bob, from Wheatfield, Kansas".
USER: "What?"
SUPPORT: "My name is Bob, from Dell Support here in Kansas"
USER: "OK, I'm having a problem with my Linux laptop"
SUPPORT: "Is it plugged in?"
USER: "Yes, it's plugged in, the battery reads 90% charge."
SUPPORT: "Can you look at the plug in the wall and verify it is plugged in firmly to the wall socket?"
USER: "I've already done that."
SUPPORT: "Please to look at the connectors on the power brick and make sure they are firmly attached."
USER: "I've already done that."
SUPPORT: "Please recheck those connections as we cannot proceed until you have afirmated that they are connected."
USER: (Sighs) "OK, Don't you want to know what problem I'm having?"
SUPPORT: "We will be happy to get to that issue in a moment. For now can you please reboot your computer."
USER: (Sighs) "OK."
SUPPORT: "Excellent! Now please re install the operating system"
USER: -- Click ---
Don't see how it's any different from the current support script.
Re:$1500 for a 1366x768 TN display. (Score:4, Funny)
It seems likely that you're American (Walmart, "frickin'", dollars) so I know reading comprehension isn't your strong point
He could be Canadian, you insensitive clod!
Re:Surprised? (Score:4, Funny)
But are you developing in 1080p? BluRay? HDMI? I thought not.
With my webcam, I can attach facial expressions to code comments.
In 1080p, I can write single lines of code longer and longer, negating the need for childish multiline programs.
My nVidia Quadro means that I can seamlessly wobble windows...I use a desktop tetrapolyhedron instead of a mere cube.
With HDMI and bluray, I can watch youtube videos about Java and other promising technologies at gigantic size.
You are holding yourself and your industry back.
Re:Surprised? (Score:5, Funny)