Comments on: Are You Getting a Dell? http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/ Open Source, Open Standards Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:47:01 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1 By: tamagotono http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4172 tamagotono Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4172 I usually build my own machines but now that Dell is offering Ubuntu, I am looking at buying one. I will buy a Dell laptop if I can just get them to install a japanese keyboard in it! They are telling me that I have to order a laptop from japan in order to get the keyboard. Too bad they dont offer Ubuntu on the japanese computers... I usually build my own machines but now that Dell is offering Ubuntu, I am looking at buying one. I will buy a Dell laptop if I can just get them to install a japanese keyboard in it! They are telling me that I have to order a laptop from japan in order to get the keyboard. Too bad they dont offer Ubuntu on the japanese computers…

]]> By: priswell http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4173 priswell Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4173 I wouldn't say "compel" me to buy a Dell. But I am needing a laptop, and while I can build a desktop, a laptop is a little out of my league. <br /> <br /> I've recently started using Ubuntu Linux. It will be nice to start off with a Linux distro for the laptop instead of needing to reformat as soon as I get it. As my experience with Linux gains ground, I expect that I'll install another linux distro, but in the beginning, I'll be happy with Ubuntu. I wouldn’t say “compel” me to buy a Dell. But I am needing a laptop, and while I can build a desktop, a laptop is a little out of my league.

I’ve recently started using Ubuntu Linux. It will be nice to start off with a Linux distro for the laptop instead of needing to reformat as soon as I get it. As my experience with Linux gains ground, I expect that I’ll install another linux distro, but in the beginning, I’ll be happy with Ubuntu.

]]> By: fredericmora http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4174 fredericmora Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4174 You can order a keyboard separately. Just order a US laptop and then order a Japanese keyboard in Japan. I did that for a French keyboard that I ordered in France and installed in a US-bought D610 laptop. You can order a keyboard separately. Just order a US laptop and then order a Japanese keyboard in Japan. I did that for a French keyboard that I ordered in France and installed in a US-bought D610 laptop.

]]> By: mbergman http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4175 mbergman Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4175 As a citizen of the European Union I do hope Dell extends this offer world-wide and let us purchase their Ubuntu-laptops in Sweden as well. As a citizen of the European Union I do hope Dell extends this offer world-wide and let us purchase their Ubuntu-laptops in Sweden as well.

]]> By: margravezakhur http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4176 margravezakhur Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4176 Hmpf.<br /> <br /> I don't buy garbage. I build my own. <br /> <br /> I have not forgotten who testified in Microsoft's behalf when they were convicted even though they got off with a wrist-slap.<br /> <br /> And Ubuntu? If I pay for a linux distro, I will get one with more polish. Ubuntu and Kubuntu are noble efforts for a certain segment of the population, but are more likely to make linux LESS popular with the WinSheep than say, ARK or Mandriva or MEPIS.<br /> <br /> Dell offered Linux before, picking the worst possible distro at the time for the application they put forth, then withdrawing it saying Linux wasn't popular. I have not forgotten that, either.<br /> <br /> At least more works out of the box with Ubuntu than with say FC6.<br /> <br /> Margrave Hmpf.

I don’t buy garbage. I build my own.

I have not forgotten who testified in Microsoft’s behalf when they were convicted even though they got off with a wrist-slap.

And Ubuntu? If I pay for a linux distro, I will get one with more polish. Ubuntu and Kubuntu are noble efforts for a certain segment of the population, but are more likely to make linux LESS popular with the WinSheep than say, ARK or Mandriva or MEPIS.

Dell offered Linux before, picking the worst possible distro at the time for the application they put forth, then withdrawing it saying Linux wasn’t popular. I have not forgotten that, either.

At least more works out of the box with Ubuntu than with say FC6.

Margrave

]]> By: bryanjrichard http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4177 bryanjrichard Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4177 Ronnie, good point. Question #1 isn't meant to ask, "Will Dell make you buy a new PC?" It's purpose is more to gauge whether Dell's support of Open Source will have a positive impact on potential buyers. '<br /> <br /> We'll tweak the language on the first question and update the survey. Ronnie, good point. Question #1 isn’t meant to ask, “Will Dell make you buy a new PC?” It’s purpose is more to gauge whether Dell’s support of Open Source will have a positive impact on potential buyers. ‘

We’ll tweak the language on the first question and update the survey.

]]> By: corfy http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4178 corfy Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4178 Unfortunately, I can't even afford to upgrade my computer right now, let alone buy a new one. But if I could afford it, I would grab up one of the Ubuntu laptops in a heartbeat. (I'm with some others on this forum when it comes to desktops, I prefer to build my own, but laptops are a different animal.)<br /> <br /> I did say that I would keep Ubuntu on the laptop, but that may not be technically true (it depends on how you look at it). It depends on whether Kubuntu qualifies as "a different distro", which I don't think it should, and I wouldn't remove Ubuntu, I would just add the Kubuntu desktop to the Ubuntu installation. Unfortunately, I can’t even afford to upgrade my computer right now, let alone buy a new one. But if I could afford it, I would grab up one of the Ubuntu laptops in a heartbeat. (I’m with some others on this forum when it comes to desktops, I prefer to build my own, but laptops are a different animal.)

I did say that I would keep Ubuntu on the laptop, but that may not be technically true (it depends on how you look at it). It depends on whether Kubuntu qualifies as “a different distro”, which I don’t think it should, and I wouldn’t remove Ubuntu, I would just add the Kubuntu desktop to the Ubuntu installation.

]]> By: bryanjrichard http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4179 bryanjrichard Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4179 Margrave, how is Ubuntu going to make Linux less popular with Windows users? I'm not sure I follow. Margrave, how is Ubuntu going to make Linux less popular with Windows users? I’m not sure I follow.

]]> By: mrgdonovan http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4180 mrgdonovan Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4180 I have 5 dells at home and will not buy another due to the worthless support from India. I have 5 dells at home and will not buy another due to the worthless support from India.

]]> By: gert1 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4181 gert1 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4181 Hopefully DELL will soon extend its Linux offerings to Europe. Hopefully DELL will soon extend its Linux offerings to Europe.

]]> By: margravezakhur http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4182 margravezakhur Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4182 Bryan,<br /> <br /> Example, possibly fixed by now. Windows user tries Ubuntu.<br /> <br /> Plugs in a USB Drive<br /> Doesn't know<br /> sudo fdisk -l<br /> sudo mkdir -p /mnt/sdf1<br /> sudo mount -t vfat /dev/sdf1 /mnt/sdf1<br /> <br /> On windows (or MEPIS, or ARK, or Mandriva), a window pops up saying "What do you want to do?" and displays all sorts of choices.<br /> <br /> What would your conclusion be?<br /> <br /> Margrave Bryan,

Example, possibly fixed by now. Windows user tries Ubuntu.

Plugs in a USB Drive
Doesn’t know
sudo fdisk -l
sudo mkdir -p /mnt/sdf1
sudo mount -t vfat /dev/sdf1 /mnt/sdf1

On windows (or MEPIS, or ARK, or Mandriva), a window pops up saying “What do you want to do?” and displays all sorts of choices.

What would your conclusion be?

Margrave

]]> By: advancecomputers http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4183 advancecomputers Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4183 My Ubuntu and Kubuntu systems recognize USB drives without a problem... and have for years.<br /> <br /> Anyway, it's good to see Dell getting into the Linux world a bit. The only "brand" computers we buy are laptops, and with Lenovo being #1 we will stick with their Linux systems instead of Dell's crappy hardware and India support. My Ubuntu and Kubuntu systems recognize USB drives without a problem… and have for years.

Anyway, it’s good to see Dell getting into the Linux world a bit. The only “brand” computers we buy are laptops, and with Lenovo being #1 we will stick with their Linux systems instead of Dell’s crappy hardware and India support.

]]> By: drokmed http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4184 drokmed Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4184 I'd buy another laptop from them if they offered SLED (the supported SUSE version).<br /> <br /> I need a reliable linux with support options. Sorry, but Ubuntu isn't it. Just because Ubuntu is popular (only due to its good forums), doesn't mean it is mature.<br /> <br /> I'm not a big fan of Dells, but I do have one of their laptops and I've been happy with it. I’d buy another laptop from them if they offered SLED (the supported SUSE version).

I need a reliable linux with support options. Sorry, but Ubuntu isn’t it. Just because Ubuntu is popular (only due to its good forums), doesn’t mean it is mature.

I’m not a big fan of Dells, but I do have one of their laptops and I’ve been happy with it.

]]> By: tylerd75 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4185 tylerd75 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4185 I'm not really a fan of Dell, but IF I were to buy a Laptop I would certainly consider one that was already running linux.<br /> Most of the usual driver problems should already be solved, but as for running Ubuntu? I would most definitly change it to Gentoo! I’m not really a fan of Dell, but IF I were to buy a Laptop I would certainly consider one that was already running linux.
Most of the usual driver problems should already be solved, but as for running Ubuntu? I would most definitly change it to Gentoo!

]]> By: floridasage1 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4186 floridasage1 Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4186 I collect curbside donations, recycle them with MEPIS installed, through charity thrift shops, (3 Saints, SA) if they'll have them, and, private schools, local businesses, kids, or turn the Optiplex's into IPCOP boxes. Hey, have 100 PC's on hand, currently! Plus 4 Macs.<br /> <br /> Dell kinda made their own trouble, being that I have so many Dells... But, I do recommend to my hundreds of clients, friends, that any computer running Linux from the factory, is a better machine than anything 'ConvictedfelonM$" from HP/Compaq or Sony! <br /> <br /> I ONLY do Open Source *BSD and GNU/Linux. So do all my 5,000+ clients, friends, family members.<br /> You'll see me giving liveCD Linux Demos in major<br /> Office and Computer or warehouse stores.<br /> <br /> One question no one answers, in Costco, Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, Target, Walmart, CompUSA, or BestBuy, is "will they offer Dells with Linux?". I've asked. They're mum. <br /> <br /> Has "multiple convicted felon Microsoft" really got that much power as a "protection racket"? <br /> <br /> Now, I think I comprehend why "multiple convicted felon Microsoft" fears the Open Source movement so much! We can break their hold on our society, our governments, our schools, and our charities!<br /> <br /> To quote the great Mahatma, M. Ghandi, I AM the change I wish to see in the world! I collect curbside donations, recycle them with MEPIS installed, through charity thrift shops, (3 Saints, SA) if they’ll have them, and, private schools, local businesses, kids, or turn the Optiplex’s into IPCOP boxes. Hey, have 100 PC’s on hand, currently! Plus 4 Macs.

Dell kinda made their own trouble, being that I have so many Dells… But, I do recommend to my hundreds of clients, friends, that any computer running Linux from the factory, is a better machine than anything ‘ConvictedfelonM$” from HP/Compaq or Sony!

I ONLY do Open Source *BSD and GNU/Linux. So do all my 5,000+ clients, friends, family members.
You’ll see me giving liveCD Linux Demos in major
Office and Computer or warehouse stores.

One question no one answers, in Costco, Staples, Office Max, Office Depot, Target, Walmart, CompUSA, or BestBuy, is “will they offer Dells with Linux?”. I’ve asked. They’re mum.

Has “multiple convicted felon Microsoft” really got that much power as a “protection racket”?

Now, I think I comprehend why “multiple convicted felon Microsoft” fears the Open Source movement so much! We can break their hold on our society, our governments, our schools, and our charities!

To quote the great Mahatma, M. Ghandi, I AM the change I wish to see in the world!

]]> By: bryanjrichard http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4187 bryanjrichard Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4187 <blockquote>What would your conclusion be?</blockquote><br /> <br /> Margrave, I don't think the issue is really how Ubuntu handles USB plugables but that the relationship between users and software is pretty complex overall. <br /> <br /> A user can decide not to use a piece of software for an infinite number of reasons. Some people won't use a program because it is closed source, or because a feature is missing, or because they don't like how a user interface looks, or because a USB device doesn't work correctly, and so on. <br /> <br /> I don't think that Ubuntu is making Linux any less palatable for Windows users than any other distro. You're not the first person that I've heard say that that Ubuntu isn't their favorite distro -- people's tastes naturally vary. However, you're definitely the first that has expressed the opinion to me that the widespread distribution of Ubutntu is ultimately a harmful thing to Linux marketshare. :-)

What would your conclusion be?

Margrave, I don’t think the issue is really how Ubuntu handles USB plugables but that the relationship between users and software is pretty complex overall.

A user can decide not to use a piece of software for an infinite number of reasons. Some people won’t use a program because it is closed source, or because a feature is missing, or because they don’t like how a user interface looks, or because a USB device doesn’t work correctly, and so on.

I don’t think that Ubuntu is making Linux any less palatable for Windows users than any other distro. You’re not the first person that I’ve heard say that that Ubuntu isn’t their favorite distro — people’s tastes naturally vary. However, you’re definitely the first that has expressed the opinion to me that the widespread distribution of Ubutntu is ultimately a harmful thing to Linux marketshare. :-)

]]> By: gparvan http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4188 gparvan Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4188 I love LINUX, and used Ubuntu for some time. However, I need apps and that is the kicker. I don't like XP, but my apps run fairly smooth. If my finance, Adobe apps, printer drivers, scanner software, calibration equipment, digital camera utility software would run I would run LINUX full time.<br /> If Dell offers Ubuntu then great!! Perhaps the application houses will notice and start porting over to LINUX.<br /> My next computer acquisition will most likely occur in 2008. If significant progress isn't made then I'll buy a MacBook Pro. I love LINUX, and used Ubuntu for some time. However, I need apps and that is the kicker. I don’t like XP, but my apps run fairly smooth. If my finance, Adobe apps, printer drivers, scanner software, calibration equipment, digital camera utility software would run I would run LINUX full time.
If Dell offers Ubuntu then great!! Perhaps the application houses will notice and start porting over to LINUX.
My next computer acquisition will most likely occur in 2008. If significant progress isn’t made then I’ll buy a MacBook Pro.

]]> By: jtatex http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4189 jtatex Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4189 Having tried Ubuntu and switching to PCLinuxOs 2007, (Much leaner, faster OS), would not make me switch to a DELL Machine, I have a Dell laptop and am quite happy with it, but a hardware maker that switches OS's to keep up with the current trend don't cut it. Having a dual boot with windoze and pclinux, i have the best and worst of both worlds. Having tried Ubuntu and switching to PCLinuxOs 2007, (Much leaner, faster OS), would not make me switch to a DELL Machine, I have a Dell laptop and am quite happy with it, but a hardware maker that switches OS’s to keep up with the current trend don’t cut it. Having a dual boot with windoze and pclinux, i have the best and worst of both worlds.

]]> By: sinewalker http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4190 sinewalker Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4190 My experience with Dell hardware is based upon my employer's equipment (Dell Latitude D800). Based solely on this, I would not buy Dell because of the hardware problems I have experienced (discounting the problems with Windows and drivers, I have experienced overheating, causing the paint on the casing to bubble off, display snow resulting in replacement of entire machine one component at a time, hard-drive failures). I take good care of my employer's equipment, but replacements (I'm on my 3rd Dell Latitude in 2 years, without upgrade) continue to have problems with heat, battery recall and a flaky optical drive.<br /> <br /> I will say that Dell's customer support (at least for my large, multinational employer) is first rate.<br /> <br /> However, this move to supporting and pre-installing Ubuntu is making me take a second look as I consider purchasing my own laptop. What ever I buy will be running a linux distro, probably either Ubuntu or Knoppix since those get the best reviews for laptop support, and being free of the Windows tax is a big plus on Dell's scale My experience with Dell hardware is based upon my employer’s equipment (Dell Latitude D800). Based solely on this, I would not buy Dell because of the hardware problems I have experienced (discounting the problems with Windows and drivers, I have experienced overheating, causing the paint on the casing to bubble off, display snow resulting in replacement of entire machine one component at a time, hard-drive failures). I take good care of my employer’s equipment, but replacements (I’m on my 3rd Dell Latitude in 2 years, without upgrade) continue to have problems with heat, battery recall and a flaky optical drive.

I will say that Dell’s customer support (at least for my large, multinational employer) is first rate.

However, this move to supporting and pre-installing Ubuntu is making me take a second look as I consider purchasing my own laptop. What ever I buy will be running a linux distro, probably either Ubuntu or Knoppix since those get the best reviews for laptop support, and being free of the Windows tax is a big plus on Dell’s scale

]]> By: autocrosser http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4191 autocrosser Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.linux-mag.com/id/3391/#comment-4191 Well-I'm a Alpha/Beta tester for Ubuntu & I'll say that we have put in quite a large amount of effort in the last few years. If you have not tried Ubuntu lately--take another look. <br /> <br /> CLI is "almost" a thing of the past--I still use CLI because I like to, but a normal user in the daily setting very rarely needs to look at the terminal.<br /> <br /> I think that getting a Linux distro in front of Joe-consumer is a positive thing & everyone has freedom of choice--you don't like it---wipe it & start over with something that is more the way you want. <br /> <br /> In any case--isn't the idea to reduce the marketshare of M$? Well-I’m a Alpha/Beta tester for Ubuntu & I’ll say that we have put in quite a large amount of effort in the last few years. If you have not tried Ubuntu lately–take another look.

CLI is “almost” a thing of the past–I still use CLI because I like to, but a normal user in the daily setting very rarely needs to look at the terminal.

I think that getting a Linux distro in front of Joe-consumer is a positive thing & everyone has freedom of choice–you don’t like it—wipe it & start over with something that is more the way you want.

In any case–isn’t the idea to reduce the marketshare of M$?

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