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Information Technology

Dell not to bundle Linux with desktops or notebooks

By Justin Mann, TechSpot.com
Published: February 28, 2007, 9:21 PM EST

While Dell pleased some with the addition of more n-Series machines that won't come with preloaded Windows, it seems they will not be going forward with plans to include preloaded Linux. For a variety of reasons, such as the incredible amount of distributions and various opinions on what should be included, they are backing away:

Although Dell is dancing around the idea of reintroducing Linux desktops and notebooks, the computer maker said it won't make a move until one of the competing flavors of Linux emerges as a business favorite. Dell now maintains that it doesn't want to pick one Linux distribution and alienate users with a preference for another.
There is probably a lot more to it than that, but overall it is not a surprise. Some are going so far as to claim that Dell is caving under pressure from Microsoft. Dell did not directly respond to that accusation, and instead pointed out their corporate offerings, such as Novell's SUSE.

User Comments (2)

Post a comment
Michel Merlin
on March 2, 2007
7:55 AM
Dell also may be "caving under pressure from" Linux circles: the initially announced complete Linux offers would openly show a too direct comparison of what is possible or not in Windows and in Linux, particularly about the number of hardware devices EASILY and RELIABLY compatible.

They also may have realized the above when trying to set up systems REALLY working out of the shop.

Versailles, Fri 2 Mar 2007 14:55:45 +0100

mattclary
on March 2, 2007
8:01 AM
Make sure to compare prices on n-series machines at Dell. You will pay just as much for a machine with NO copy of Windows. Where machines are priced less than comparable Windows laden, ooops, loaded machines, the machine invariably has been feature cut. i.e. No DVD burner, smaller hard drive...

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