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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  • 6 Posted by mttorley on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    This will not legitamize linux, but honestly make it better- because DEll is NOT going to ship crap - it has to be supportable - something even the best linux distribution is hazy on - esPECIALLY when you bring in all the 3rd party software - regular Joe's like u and I just dont understand the linux OS file system to tweak it ourselves yet.

  • 7 Posted by tomtycat@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:16PM EDT Report Abuse

    I know nothing about Linux. Will this OS run the same apps as Win xp? what are the pro's and cons of Linux?

  • 8 Posted by msemple1 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:29PM EDT Report Abuse

    I've used pc's for 20 years. I'm going to buy a mac next time. There is nothing that Dell could do to get to buy another Dell.

  • 9 Posted by frew415 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:03PM EDT Report Abuse

    http://www.sda-india.com/sda_india/psecom,id,102,site_layout,sdaindia,news,15974,p,0.html This website states that Dell has decided not to offer a Linux distro on their PCs, at least not in the foreseeable future. I think this is a bad decision. Having multiple OS options for people is a great marketing strategy to offer lower prices on their computers. I've never used Linux but am seriously thinking about it now that Vista has be the worst version of Windows since ME. Dell should change their mind again and listen to their customers.

  • 10 Posted by moogee@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:25PM EDT Report Abuse

    Why do some PC users trash Mac? Just because its different than windows doesn't mean its worse. For one, it has a better calender than Outlook. Its good to have your programs on a dock for quick accsess. I would probably buy a Linus OS when I need a PC friendly computer, and install it next to Tiger. I've seen Linus at the store and its more eye pleasing than Windows.

  • 11 Posted by argeebee2002 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    Wow! Good news.......I am going to be replacing my desktop with a laptop soon, and have been very hesitant to go the Vista route. Microsoft seems to be going the way of the American Auto Manufacturers, "the customer will buy what we tell them to buy". Monopolies are never good and it is nice to see someone add some choice to the market.

  • 12 Posted by tenchimasaki60 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:00PM EDT Report Abuse

    This is truly awesome, personally I am just beginning to understand the greatness of the unix - like system, however I am enjoying greatly what I am learning. Perhaps if more companies such as dell would offer users the chance to install linux, more software would specifically be written for it (actually just the source code would need to be included). I'm currenly dual booting OpenSuSe 10.2 and Windows XP (I don't really have a choice since I need programs that don't seem to work well under wine or emulators well) for work and classes. The concept of GNU is extremely amazing, and I plan on supporting the open source movement.

  • 13 Posted by cobrabob77 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:28PM EDT Report Abuse

    Let's see. MS and Dell. Dell might offer Linux. I spose Suse would be it since MS bought em.

  • 14 Posted by archangel2287 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:57PM EDT Report Abuse

    ...yeah I DID buy a mac (last week) instead of deal with all of Windows' issues. Easily the best purchase I've made in 2007. Don't get me wrong, I still have my PC with XP on it, but, well...it's been two straight days since I've had to turn it on...

  • 15 Posted by huanes@sbcglobal.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:21PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think dell might just have to built a distro from the ground up or take the best of the best to make this work

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