Dell announces the models for Ubuntu
May 18, 2007 19 Comments
I just got the following email forwarded to me by a Dell employee:
We will be launching a Linux based OS (Ubuntu) on the E520, 1505 and XPS 410 starting next Thursday, 5/24. We expect these systems to be less than 1% of our OS mix for the entire year which is ~20,000 systems annually. Please cover the huddle deck below with your team by EOB Sunday. If any questions come up, please let me know so I can address them before launch.
The goal of launching Linux is to continue to give our customers more choices to customize their new Dell. Providing more options to our Linux Enthusiast customer group will hopefully create even more Raving Fans!!
It was also noted that people within Dell can now officially start discussing the desktop Linux situation with customers. It’s great to see this initiative being followed through on so quickly. I was hoping for a bit more than three models, but what’s more important right now is how those three models are actually rolled out. The long term implications for Linux on the desktop in the mainstream here are huge. Kudos to Dell for finally making the leap. With less than 1% of sales at stake here though, it’s possible Dell doesn’t have the incentive to put a huge effort behind this. I’ll be keeping a very close eye on the roll out and will certainly be posting more on the topic. I’d like to thank Rick, who forwarded this to me.
–jeremy
Jeremy's Blog 
Now, will this be a user option or are those three models strictly Linux only? What I mean is, when the user is buying the computer, will they choose which operating system they want?
A good question, but the answer wasn’t provided in the email so we’ll have to wait and see.
–jeremy
“The goal of launching Linux is to continue to give our customers more choices to customize their new Dell.”
It’s going to be an option that you can pick.
So how about
And I am inclined not to trust this email that much because I can’t see why a Dell employee would be announcing this while Dell itself wouldn’t.
Do you know if Dell is going to offer Ubuntu as a download from their support page? I’d think that would be a good idea for people who want to switch over and only have to download a .ISO file and already having drivers installed. Hmm.. Granted I could just download Ubuntu from the normal place and download the drivers from Dell’s support page, assuming their going to offer driver support.
Personally, I know quite a few Dell employees. They aren’t allowed personal machines on the Dell campuses, but they all tell me this email was sent out a week or so ago, and they all are telling me that it’s three models, and that it is those three models listed in this “leaked” email.
They also add that there will be Ubuntu training within the next few weeks for Ubuntu on the three systems.
Pingback: jkOnTheRun
Pingback: Tips Dr.com
@Tortri
Unfortunately, I don’t think that is this going to be an option for people wanting to make “the switch” I moved over to Ubuntu some time ago. Any time I call for support they always try to support it through windows based software tools. Last time I was on the phone with them I asked about the support for Ubuntu when the new ubuntu machines were released, I was told that machines were supported for the OS that they were purchased with only. So, be careful or dual boot. It is good to see that this option is going to be available, hats off to Dell.
Pingback: David's Linux Blog
Pingback: ComNetSlash
Hmmmm…It is the 24th and I do NOT see any Dell Ubuntu computers listed on Dell’s website. Of course it is still early so maybe it will be on there later but I am not going to hold my breath.
http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2007/05/24/15994.aspx
“It’s finally here. Later today, Dell will offer U.S customers three different systems with Ubuntu 7.04 installed: the XPS 410n and Dimension E520n desktops and the Inspiron E1505n notebook. These systems will be available at http://www.dell.com/open by 4pm CST today. Starting price for the E520n desktop and the E1505n notebook is $599; the XPS 410n starts at $899.”
–jeremy
Pingback: Ubuntu’s Death Rattle - DeveloperSide.NET Blog
Pingback: Comes vs Microsoft Petition Shows How Microsoft Blocked Linux Sales at Jeremy’s Blog
Pingback: Ubuntu Kills Linux, Then Self, Dell Suspected of Foul Play. - DeveloperSide.NET Blog
Pingback: My Tech Links 4 Monday, August 27, 2007. « My Tech Links 4 Today
Pingback: Dell announces models with Ubuntu - masuran.org
Pingback: Open Source Links: 19-05-2007 | Commercial Open Source Software