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A year later, sales of Linux on Dell computers THRIVE!

computerworld.com — Sales figures not released, but program is thriving, Dell says

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  • martalli, on 04/16/2008, -1/+26I wish they would offer slightly better hardware (c2d or even a q6600). We bought a c2d inspiron 530 from the dell linux website, but now all you can get are the adequate but unappealing dual core pentiums.
    • weizbox, on 04/16/2008, -9/+8just build your own. it' will be better in the long run for upgrades :)
      • prophetpimp, on 04/16/2008, -1/+20The last time i checked. Self built laptops look like *****.
        • thecheatah, on 04/16/2008, -1/+30The key is in the quality electrical tape.
        • SteveIsTheDude, on 04/16/2008, -0/+10I use Lunch Room trays to give my "home grown laptops" that certain... How do you say.... "Mac Air Style"... that gets me the sexy glances at Starbucks....
        • vertigoblue, on 04/17/2008, -0/+1Asus notebooks are awesome!
          its all I build on...
  • Sammi84, on 04/16/2008, -25/+7.
    • weizbox, on 04/16/2008, -14/+4totally agree
      • theaceoffire, on 04/16/2008, -2/+3*****
        • Buu700, on 04/16/2008, -0/+5btw to anyone who doesn't know, use a backslash to do that.
          • nmnnotmyname, on 04/20/2008, -0/+1How could people not know? It's the escape char.

            Well Okay, must boards do not allow it, but I caught on quickly when noticing people having trouble with Windows paths.
      • Buu700, on 04/16/2008, -5/+1*****
    • schestowitz, on 04/16/2008, -7/+28Good point.
    • mooninite, on 04/16/2008, -11/+2*****
    • Dylson, on 04/16/2008, -11/+1,
      • betacmag4u, on 04/16/2008, -1/+5What the F**k is that supposed to mean??
      • nmnnotmyname, on 04/17/2008, -0/+3You don't make a very good point, lol

        edit: AW *****. Someone already used that.
  • einfeldt, on 04/16/2008, -4/+8From TRA: The Linux-on-Dell idea emerged in February 2007, after CEO Michael Dell debuted a new company-hosted blog called IdeaStorm, where customer could offer ideas and input on prospective new products and services. More than 100,000 people posted comments about wanting to see the company sell computers straight from the factory with Linux preloaded.
  • viewtiful4ever, on 04/16/2008, -19/+10i want to see actual figures. not for anything, but I don't think Linux would ever be mainstream like Windows or OSX... and I'm also pretty sure that all those people who wanted preloaded Linux don't own a factory installed Linux dell...
    • DemonWasp, on 04/16/2008, -1/+2I want Linux preloaded, and this is a Dell machine. Granted, it's an Inspiron 1520, and it shipped with Vista, but that doesn't mean it isn't trivial to replace with your favourite variety of Linux.

      If they'd offered Linux-preinstall in Canada there's a way better chance I'd have considered it.
      • bngsudheer, on 04/16/2008, -0/+3Although my job is not sell PCs, I will sure recommend my friends to buy Dell Linux PCs. I will even blog about it. Sadly, today every consumer does not know that there is this thing called Linux and it can be considered as an alternate to closed source software. Dell can make a difference to the consumer's perception. I wish Dell will stop depending on its software partner some day.
    • daftman, on 04/16/2008, -1/+7Well let's just put it this way. If Dell sell a preloaded Linux machine in Australia, I would immediately replace 10 XP desktops here.
  • YodaJones, on 04/16/2008, -4/+13I applaud Dells selling Ubuntu loaded systems, but they still have no balls and their price for Ubuntu configured systems is too high considering the Microsoft license cost they save.
    • kretik, on 04/16/2008, -2/+5How much is that license cost. Do you know?
    • KloroFormd, on 04/16/2008, -0/+8Aren't the prices for Linux systems $50 cheaper?
    • pdarg, on 04/16/2008, -0/+6you also have to take into account that microsoft pays companies like dell big money to push their os. this money and the money dell has to pay to ensure the hardware is all perfectly compatible with ubuntu quickly eats into the presumed saving of selling an open source os.
      • tripzero, on 04/16/2008, -0/+1I seriously doubt that microsoft pays Dell anything. They probably offer them discounts on bulk windows/office products but they don't pay out. There really isn't an alternative OS in high demand like windows. It's like Apple paying circuit city to sell Ipods. Circuit City want's to buy Ipods because that's what their customers want.

        Furthermore, if not selling windows XP saves dell $50 but they lose $50 bucks in endorsements from 3rd party bloatware vendors (which bloatware, the customer usually doesn't want), it is a total wash.
    • NedSlider, on 04/16/2008, -0/+8But Dell is also losing revenue from not installing all the bloatware it normally ships preinstalled on it's Windows configured machines. This may offset any savings from not having to supply a Microsoft license.
      • whodathunk, on 04/16/2008, -0/+4Are you saying that the windows install on a dell machine is paid for by advertisements loaded on top of it? There is a name for that, ad-ware, and there are tools to remove software like that... I guess finally proof that a Linux install CD is the ultimate adware and spyware removal kit. Like a tivo, but for computers: skip the annoying ads (yes I know the irony, tivo is linux too).
        • theaceoffire, on 04/16/2008, -0/+3Your right, but yes, they do put ads on the comp.
          And trialware, and "Pay to keep working"ware.
  • qwertymkonji, on 04/16/2008, -8/+1Is it really that much better (pricewise) to just buy a Dell/otherbrandname computer than to build your own these days? ..Or are people just lazy?
    • dotnetnoob, on 04/16/2008, -0/+5drivers issue. When you buy from OEM that pre-load OS for you then you can be sure that the computer will work with that OS since they have to test it. You can build your own but you have to spend time researching if this or that will work with linux and if the vendor offer the linux version of driver. if not you will end up doing x, compile y and pray that it work. The only reason to buy from any computer vendor is they did a lot of work for you and if you value your time or don't want to mess with the endless linux driver issue. Buying a linux computer from dell or whoever can save you the headache.
    • strictnein, on 04/16/2008, -1/+2If you're an IT manager at a company do you have time to build 100 desktops and the space to stock hardware to support all of them for 3+ years?
      One would guess most of Dell's Linux purchasing clientele have been businesses.
      • martalli, on 04/17/2008, -0/+1Our business has purchased two so far.
    • thecheatah, on 04/16/2008, -0/+2I have always built my own. The problem with my previous build (lasted: 5-6years): Too much dust collection, and power supply failure. OOh and there is excitement and being nervous and PRAYING when your putting ur parts together.
    • DemonWasp, on 04/16/2008, -0/+3Putting your own computer together can be challenging if you haven't done it before, and it can be daunting to make sure that all your components will work together the first time. I've been really lucky and both machines I put together myself worked immediately, but not everyone is as lucky.

      The extra money for a prebuilt can be considered a "convenience" charge. The question of how much that convenience means to you (if anything) and how much it costs will define whether it's better to buy prebuilt or to buy your own.
    • LuTze, on 04/16/2008, -0/+3People might have better things to do with their life. And, typically, it is only cheaper if your time is not worth anything.
      In other news, I don't build my cars either.
    • bngsudheer, on 04/16/2008, -0/+1When you buy in bulk branded PCs are economical than build-it-yourself machines. For a consumer building it on their own will be more economical than buying branded PCs. I guess, you can money if you hire somebody to build and install Linux for you.
  • Enron1985, on 04/16/2008, -3/+10Yes, and Dell would never lie to us. I called the US line for Dell computers, the call gets transferred to India of course, but either way the salesman said that Linux is thriving and he even tried to sell me a computer, with a free printer!
    • bjornski, on 04/16/2008, -0/+1And a guy from India named "Steve" wouldn't like to you to earn a paycheck, would he?
      • whodathunk, on 04/16/2008, -0/+1No, his name was "Peter". ;-)
        • martalli, on 04/17/2008, -0/+1My wife is from India. Her brother is named Peter, and her grandfather was named Peter.
    • betacmag4u, on 04/16/2008, -1/+2Actually they opened and call center in the USA last year that has approx 500 tech..... looks like that are bringing it back to the USA. God bless Michael Dell ! My hero!!!
      • vincentweber, on 04/16/2008, -7/+5"God bless... hero... back to the USA..." - Patriotism is not bad but this level of patritism is insane. You're country is no longer the land of the free, so I would not be really proud of it if I were you. You can't have any privacy by law, everybody is monitored like a potential terrorist, your country is losing wars, republicans and companies screw you [not filthy rich people] whenever they can... The only thing that is still free in the USA is the economy wich is, btw, going down at an insane rate. One Euro is now worth over $1,55 while when the Euro was introduced in 2001 it was less worth than a dollar. Get back to reality. If you want to go back to the state the USA was in before Bush came I suggest you see past the compain ***** and vote for the democrats. Who cares if Paul's hair is the same color of a white rabbit? Vote for someone with a real plan for the future. It doesn't matter if your upcoming president has humor because he/she is a politician and not a comedian by profession.
  • sdm011, on 04/16/2008, -9/+3in the butt...
  • SteveIsTheDude, on 04/16/2008, -12/+6Most of these computers promptly get an image load of an un-licensed windoze variation 10 minutes out of the box.... Unless its a server....
    • thecheatah, on 04/16/2008, -3/+11U do realize the way you see Linux is how Windows looks like to a Linux user. To me its unnatural to not use linux.
    • pweltz, on 04/16/2008, -1/+6It may happen. But I would think the opposite happens much more frequently: People buying Windows PCs or Laptop because they're cheaper or they have no alternative, and then installing Linux on them.
  • fkr3, on 04/16/2008, -7/+14Their reluctance to release sale figures, and their efforts to not say anything concrete, says more than Schestowitz could ever imagine.

    The main reason they're putting it on new models probably has more to do with the pretend-customer backlash that'd circle the internet if they didn't.
    • sloppychris, on 04/16/2008, -1/+8If the line is doing as poorly as you claim, then number of upset linux users would be inconsequential to Dell.
      • kretik, on 04/16/2008, -1/+3Maybe they consider it a loss leader.
    • daftman, on 04/16/2008, -3/+1what exactly are you trying say here?
      • fkr3, on 04/16/2008, -0/+3I'm saying a bunch of kids using digg, reddit, etc hyped up the idea when it was on IdeaStorm creating the false impression there was actually significant demand for it, and that the sales are probably not very impressive at all but Dell can't backpeddle now because the internet will erupt with outrage from the very same idiots - it was a top story just last week that some deal on a Windows machine wasn't available for the same model with Ubuntu creating a 'Linux costs more' situation.
        • daftman, on 04/17/2008, -1/+1Ah you;re the same idiot from day one saying that IdeaStorm was a waste of time. A year on you're still singing the same tune.
          You can believe whatever you want in order to help you sleep at night. So far your little conspiracy theory has not substance.
          The fact in business is that you don't get dictated by small number of fanboys on the net. If Dell is making a lost on Linux sales, they would stop selling it.
    • xivulon, on 04/16/2008, -0/+7Dell NEVER publishes sales figures, as a company policy. Go ahead googling and try to find any sales figures from them for any specific model/OS... Good luck.

      All we know is that sales are GOOD, and that is despite their efforts to hide the Ubuntu offering in a dark corner of the website, and despite their marketing gimmick to push the price of bundles with a free OS above the price of bundles with a paid-for OS.

      That Linux sales are good is corroborated by many other examples from EEE (top of the amazon most wanted laptop list), to Everex (sold out at walmart), to the fact that almost all other OEMs jumped on the Linux wagon...
      • fkr3, on 04/16/2008, -2/+3People buying the EEE aren't buying linux, they're buying a very portable cheap computer that happens to be running linux. Most of the people buying EEEs still wouldn't even know what linux is.
        • sloppychris, on 04/16/2008, -0/+3Most people who buy computers don't buy a motherboard, processor, ram, hard drive, and disk drive. They buy a box that lets them play games, surf the internet, and write reports.

          The point is that linux computers are fulfilling these needs successfully.
          • fkr3, on 04/16/2008, -2/+2I'm not disputing they're fulfilling those needs, the EEE's sales obviously scream that it's a huge success. But it's a huge success for Asus much moreso than Linux. People are buying the Asus EEE Pc which is running linux and in all likeliness the user doesn't even know, not the Linux EEE Pc by Acer.

            It's like arguing a re-branded tv with Samsung technology inside it is a victory for getting Samsung's brand "out there" in the world. Most people wouldn't have a clue their Panasonyic TV is "a Samsung tv".
          • daftman, on 04/17/2008, -0/+3> I'm not disputing they're fulfilling those needs, the EEE's sales obviously scream that it's a huge success. But it's a huge success for Asus much moreso than Linux. People are buying the Asus EEE Pc which is running linux and in all likeliness the user doesn't even know, not the Linux EEE Pc by Acer.

            The same could be said for any machine. Sony selling Windows Laptop can be argue that it is a huge success for Sony
          • fkr3, on 04/17/2008, -0/+1Yup. Maybe people don't know they're running Windows, they're just buying a sexy little Vaio that happens to be running Windows. Which is what's happening with the EEE's and linux. Linux has only been a talking point on sites like digg, it's not why Asus is selling heaps of units, they barely even mention it on the website. The EEE is the product, Linux is just a word on a spec table most consumers won't even read.
          • martalli, on 04/17/2008, -1/+1The beauty of open source operating systems is that they put the hardware manufacturer back in control. The hardware manufacturer releases the details and specs of their hardware, and the linux (or bsd) guys write the drivers for it. Then the system builders can take those "open" parts and build "open" machines. They don't have to follow Microsoft's specification. They can also customize the UI as they see fit (eg, the eee pc). Using open source *is* a win for the hardware manufacturers and system builders.
        • daftman, on 04/17/2008, -1/+2why are you so keen on seeing Linux fail? What is your agenda here?
  • joshua5, on 04/16/2008, -1/+6actual article minus blog spam:
    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/08/us/08reef.html?_ ...
  • jesuswuzanalien, on 04/16/2008, -11/+2rm -rf /
    • mokodo, on 04/16/2008, -2/+2sudo rm -rf /
      • theaceoffire, on 04/16/2008, -0/+1*sigh*.
        I don't go around telling people to delete the C:windows folder to save room, why must you go around and say "wipe the OS"?
      • newwatch51, on 04/17/2008, -0/+1meh, i just keep a root xterm open.
    • vincentweber, on 04/16/2008, -2/+3format C:. At least with Linux you do not have that permission by default....
      • bhalo05, on 04/16/2008, -1/+2You don't have it in Vista either. And there are already way more Vista users than all Linux users combined.
        • vincentweber, on 04/16/2008, -0/+1The entire commandline tool in Vista is a joke. There is nothing left of it.
          • bhalo05, on 04/19/2008, -0/+1Why is it more a joke in Vista than what it was in XP?

            Besides, at least now you can use Powershell.
  • cantormath, on 04/16/2008, -0/+5The new XPS models Dell is finally offering is cool.
  • s0crates82, on 04/16/2008, -14/+11...and in other news, U.S. President George W. Bush says we're making great progress in Iraq!
    • thecheatah, on 04/16/2008, -5/+4Lets see if your analogy works. The country not doing so good. Dell, is it doing good or not? I dont know.
    • vincentweber, on 04/16/2008, -1/+5The difference is that politicians can lie, companies don't. They cannot fraud with number. If they say they're sales are going up then they are going up.
  • Lososaurus, on 04/16/2008, -15/+8There has been a whopping 18 machines sold
  • kretik, on 04/16/2008, -7/+10Only Spamowitz would translate "the program is doing good" as "THRIVE!!!1!!". I suppose that since Vista has about 14% of the desktop market a year after being released, it must be THRIVING as well. We'll wait for him to comment on that, I suppose.
    I wonder why Dell is not releasing actual numbers on this though. It would cost them nothing to say "We've sold 100,000 machines". I'm sure they've sold a lot, but why not just say how many? Definitely fishy.
    • SteveIsTheDude, on 04/16/2008, -5/+10Vista SP1 is pretty ***** good people... People who use it THRIVE!!!! :)
      • betacmag4u, on 04/16/2008, -6/+4People who support it ....want to vomit !
    • Olfster, on 04/16/2008, -6/+4I can not advise my clients to use it. I have ethics. Something not relavant in US business any more. Really 14%? for a monopoly?
      • kretik, on 04/16/2008, -2/+5Claiming a nonexistent moral high ground, sideways jab to the US and faux dismissive punchline. You, sah, are a gentleman and a scholar.
  • peestandingup, on 04/16/2008, -0/+4"Though they declined to give sales figures for the Linux-equipped machines, the Dell officials were adamant in saying that the program wouldn't be continuing or adding new models if the sales figures were not adequate."

    So does this mean sales are great or just good enough?? I'd like to know how good these are doing.
  • DigitAl56K, on 04/16/2008, -1/+7I know we all love Linux, but Dell could easily be overstating Linux sales as a jab at Microsoft over a poor response to Vista, seeking lower prices or extended support for XP.
    • Olfster, on 04/16/2008, -0/+7Dell is just trying to sell computers. In my opinion they care nothing about Linux or the people that use it.
      • theaceoffire, on 04/16/2008, -0/+3Just like they don't care about XP or the people who use it...
        They (like most companies) only care that you buy it from them.
        Not what you do after.
  • philhatesyou, on 04/16/2008, -16/+7This is impossible, no one can get anything done while in Linux!
    • thecheatah, on 04/16/2008, -2/+11Lets see, for the past 2 years, I have been doing ALL my college assignments on Ubuntu. Writing papers (math and english), programming assignments (a blessing to use linux, x forwarding matlab saves me a lot of time), songs, movies, and yes games. OOh and it works as a tivo and as a router for my house.

      I think ur narrow minded or something
    • DestroyFascism, on 04/16/2008, -1/+8As if I don't use it at work...
      Office, Graphics, Webcoding, Email...

      It also makes a great mail hub, just tick the box....
  • Olfster, on 04/16/2008, -9/+4I was told by a person at Dell (upper management) that Linux was nothing more than a niche market for Dell. Dell has been nothing but BS since the late 90's. In my opinion they sell Chinese crud. Sorry to the person I know, but Dell is not all that.
    • betacmag4u, on 04/16/2008, -0/+7What and HP, Gateway and Compaq are? Gimme a break they all figure out what an "acceptable failure rate" is and then mass produce the machine........ if you want a good high quality reliable machine build it your self. JACKASS !!
    • sirhomer, on 04/16/2008, -0/+3It is a niche market. But of course it's a market worth serving, otherwise Dell wouldn't be doing what they do.

      Linux is improving at such a fast rate however. It's exciting to be part of this "revolution" so to speak. I never will understand people like estvir or DiggLive who fight for a status quo at all costs.
  • smacksaw, on 04/16/2008, -2/+4They can't really give you Windows as an option when you build because then you'll see what the cost really is. That is going to piss off competitors.

    Aside from that, I've bought a few systems from them this year and all of them have Ubuntu or Kubuntu on them...after the fact. They don't even get a chance to count that. I think that for their refurb stuff it should come with no OS and then any OS you want on it. New, I'm not so sure they can do it. Used...I think so.

    It's funny, I lost my original media CD on a machine I converted to Ubuntu and while calling for a broken keyboard I mentioned that I didn't even have the CD anymore. They sent me a free XP MCE CD. Yet I can't get a copy of Dell Ubuntu from them? Nice...I'd like to have their version that is already set up with their drivers. I don't need the rest of the non-Dell stuff since it's a Dell!
  • Avian00, on 04/16/2008, -1/+6FTA: "People might have looked at other brands previously but are now looking at Dell because of Linux."

    Dell just might become that company that "gets it!" Offer customers what they want, and they will give you their business!
  • TheZorch, on 04/16/2008, -3/+17This myth that Linux isn't as good as Windows really must stop. I've used Ubuntu for a long time and I've also used Vista. I have to say I prefer Ubuntu to Vista. At least Ubuntu works with ALL of my hardware without having to go hunting for drivers. Finding drivers for Vista, even a year after the OS has been out, isn't easy.
    • sirhomer, on 04/16/2008, -1/+3I agree. A lot of (almost all?) Linux users have used Windows before. Can you say the same for Windows users? I am not so sure. As a user of both, I think Ubuntu is the better operating system.
  • Langford, on 04/16/2008, -2/+4It's nice if sales are working, but I'm still a bit disappointed they didn't run with the idea. Things are still so hidden away. Getting a Dell Linux Store comparable to the Apple Store may be hoping for too much, but an effort would be nice.
  • buddamus, on 04/16/2008, -1/+10I'm digging this now on my new Ubuntu PC, I kicked Xp out yesterday
  • DestroyFascism, on 04/16/2008, -2/+7XP? sytem error on 00000x000 x0x 0000000x00000 0x 00000000 x0000000
    Now go work it out...
  • jlynas, on 04/16/2008, -6/+4Give it a rest, fanboys
  • amire80, on 04/16/2008, -0/+4BBC vs. Digg - On BBC the headline would be: A year later, sales of Linux on Dell computers 'thriving'.

    The subtle difference.
  • evansad, on 04/16/2008, -1/+2Asus eee is way better than Dell's linux offerings. Dell does not pass its savings from linux to the customer which defeats the whole point.
    • JasonHaley, on 04/16/2008, -0/+1I don't know why you're getting dugged down but I'll dig you up. I'm not a fan of how Dell works so the only good thing about Dell selling Linux is that smaller companies will be able to take note and start doing the same... and then I can buy from them.
  • LVDave, on 04/16/2008, -0/+4Despite the "Windows Tax", IMO, its still FAR cheaper to buy the Dell laptop model you want from the Dell Outlet, with either XP or Vista on it, wipe the disk, and self-install Ubuntu on it.. I just bought a Vostro 1400 laptop, got it for $549 (C2D/1.4/2GB/120GB, webcam, Nvidia video), and it runs Ubuntu just fine... While if you go and price out an Inspiron 1420N with 7.10 installed, which is essentially the same as the Vostro, the same system specs there cost over $700 with the std 1 yr warantee.. Whereas my Vostro has an extended to 3 yr warrantee with it....
    • sirhomer, on 04/16/2008, -0/+1Plus you are comparing the price of a used laptop to that of a new laptop. I've like you bought refurbished products, but now I avoid them because I've had some interesting problems with refurbs.

      Anyways you don't need to go that far, sometimes the non-refurb Windows laptops are cheaper then the Ubuntu laptops. Which of course, is lame. But there are tricks to get the Ubuntu machines cheaper then the Windows machines on the 'net using coupons. On average the Ubuntu laptops are about $50 cheaper. Not bad for getting a laptop that has been tested by Dell themselves to be compatible with Ubuntu.
  • al11588, on 04/16/2008, -9/+1Loading.... Loading.... Error Reboot Microsoft-FTW
    Ubuntu-Failsssssssssssssssss
    PS: we rule the majority of the marketshare.
    • stix213, on 04/16/2008, -2/+6"Loading.... Loading.... Error Reboot"

      Yeah you definitely use MS
  • stix213, on 04/16/2008, -0/+3And how many times have the MS/OSX fanboyz been saying on Digg that the Dell Ubuntu machines were failures? I wonder how much their sales would improve if they actually linked from their normal sales pages to the Ubuntu machines, without having to type "linux" in their search box?
  • LANjackal, on 04/16/2008, -0/+3"Thriving?" All Dell said was "if it didn't make business sense, we wouldn't be doing it".
  • rmxz, on 04/16/2008, -1/+1Of course it's a bit silly to say "a year later" Dell's been selling Linux Laptops (with various difficulty finding them) since Feb 2000. (Inspirons in 2000; Precision "notebook workstations" with Red Hat more recently. Ubuntu's been there 1 year. Perhaps that's what the title should have read.
  • Definition, on 04/23/2008, -0/+1Linux doesn't deserve to be on something as inferior as Dell.
  •  

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