Dell Listened: May Offer Linux Option Instead of Windows

Fri Mar 9, 2007 12:18PM EST

See Comments (15)

Remember last month, when I wrote about IdeaStorm, Dell's interesting idea asking customers to offer suggestions on improving its products and services?

Well, 100,000 people asked for Linux as an option, and Dell is taking those requests very seriously, saying to "stay tuned" for more news on this topic in the near future.

Remember that Linux isn't just an issue of spanking Microsoft over its heavy-handed DRM, bugginess, and gargantuan system requirements, it's also a question of cost. Microsoft doesn't reveal OEM pricing for its operating systems, but Vista Home Premium (the most common version on machines right now) probably adds about $120 to the price of your PC, maybe $80 or $90 if you're a big vendor like Dell. That's significant.

Linux in its various formats isn't perfect, but it is the only real option for PC users aside from dumping their hardware in favor of a Mac. Here's to Dell bringing back something users haven't had since the days of OS/2: An honest-to-God choice.

Comments on Dell Listened: May Offer Linux Option Instead of Windows

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  • 1 Posted by morris1545 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:26PM EDT Report Abuse

    To my mind, Microsoft Windows XP remains the most viable OS in existence for most end-users -- not Linux. With Vista being so chancy, e.g., being compared to Millenium in bugginess and compatability, I will stay with XP Pro until MS comes up with something that is a real advance. As for switching to a Mac? Give me a break!

  • 2 Posted by mystdancer50 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:32PM EDT Report Abuse

    Great! Now all we need is a legitimate, good honest choice when voting for president. I'm glad Dell is still concerned with customer satisfaction. Thanks for keeping us informed! Cheers!

  • 3 Posted by m_knopp on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:32PM EDT Report Abuse

    I am glad to hear this. I have played with Linux for a while now. It is good, but there are still things that I have to have Windows for, thus the dual boot. And while I agree with morris1545 that XP is a good OS, it is not a viable option when purchasing a new computer from Dell or any other OEM anymore. So that is a moot point.

  • 4 Posted by lativuspayments on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    dell has had slow sales and this is just the thing to pull them out of the muck. If a big comany puts forth the resources to get linux OS to the masses and helps people overcome the fear of moving away from windows it will be the big dog in the fight. I am sure the major PC manufacturers are tired of bowing down to microsoft. If dell pulls this off I have no doubt many other pc manufacturers will follow suit.

  • 5 Posted by uzunoff on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:30PM EDT Report Abuse

    I wonder if they will have the option to choose which distro Linux they will install, or just pick one and go with it. Also if that means that they will provide drivers for all OSes. Some of those drivers are not existing and DELL will need to write them.

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