> I'd personally like to see the price difference since we won't have to pay> the Microsoft Tax anymore on these systems.My prediction is that Dell will leave the cost comparable to Windows machines so as not to ruffle any feathers at MS. Also, why should Dell lower prices when there is almost no competition in the market for machines with Linux preloaded? And given that they expect to sell so few machines (relatively speaking) I can't see that they're concerned about making the machines as attractive as possible. Further, they are probably looking at covering the costs of doing this in the first place (yes, there are costs associated with expanding your product line even if the OS is free.) In a few years, maybe. With a little more competition, maybe. I give Dell points for doing this to begin with, but if any of you are expecting significantly lower prices because the OS costs less, you're dreaming.
@fatasI've never bought a pre-built desktop.. But if this Linux project is more successful than they anticipate, it would lead to events that would make Linux actually ready for the desktop. I would consider buying a Linux Dell, even if it's just to help incubate a market for Linux.Linux needs support from mainstream suppliers to get more users, to get more hardware support, and to get more applications. A true Linux user would want the platform to mature, and this Dell . However, judging by your comment, maturity may not be something you have a firm understanding of.
It might be nice if Dell offered a modified Ubuntu CD with all their drivers configured, atc. so the user would never have to hunt down drivers (new users might not know how to find/install a driver).However, if this does happen, it is quite possible Dell would preinstall bloatware as well (Like VMWare Pro Trial, CrossOverOffice Trial with Microsoft Office Trial).
digitaldudMay 19, 2007
The 1505 is the Inspiron 6400, they're identical hardware just for business instead of home.
robdazombaMay 19, 2007
> I'd personally like to see the price difference since we won't have to pay> the Microsoft Tax anymore on these systems.My prediction is that Dell will leave the cost comparable to Windows machines so as not to ruffle any feathers at MS. Also, why should Dell lower prices when there is almost no competition in the market for machines with Linux preloaded? And given that they expect to sell so few machines (relatively speaking) I can't see that they're concerned about making the machines as attractive as possible. Further, they are probably looking at covering the costs of doing this in the first place (yes, there are costs associated with expanding your product line even if the OS is free.) In a few years, maybe. With a little more competition, maybe. I give Dell points for doing this to begin with, but if any of you are expecting significantly lower prices because the OS costs less, you're dreaming.
invaderMay 19, 2007
@fatasI've never bought a pre-built desktop.. But if this Linux project is more successful than they anticipate, it would lead to events that would make Linux actually ready for the desktop. I would consider buying a Linux Dell, even if it's just to help incubate a market for Linux.Linux needs support from mainstream suppliers to get more users, to get more hardware support, and to get more applications. A true Linux user would want the platform to mature, and this Dell . However, judging by your comment, maturity may not be something you have a firm understanding of.
Closed AccountMay 19, 2007
I shall buy this.
moscube717May 19, 2007
Rush ftw.
daradibMay 19, 2007
It might be nice if Dell offered a modified Ubuntu CD with all their drivers configured, atc. so the user would never have to hunt down drivers (new users might not know how to find/install a driver).However, if this does happen, it is quite possible Dell would preinstall bloatware as well (Like VMWare Pro Trial, CrossOverOffice Trial with Microsoft Office Trial).