Dell starts shipping PC's with FreeDos only

[linux.newb]

It seems that Dell is looking to start shipping computers with no OS so that people can do something good with them - not to mention that it also drops the price becuase you don't have to pay for windows - only shipped with FreeDos, and thats not even installed

http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/hardwa...9273933,00.htm

Starting of a beautiful friendship

[techieMoe]

My question is, who will they sell them to? At this point the folks who use Linux 9 times out of 10 would rather build their own, and the folks that buy things from Dell would rather have the "comfort" and "convenience" of not installing their own OS. Businesses like mine wouldn't buy these PCs even to put Linux on them simply because the specs are not high enough. I don't mean to be a curmudgeon, but I don't see this taking off unless they decided to partner with someone like Redhat or Novell and offer a preinstalled Linux solution.

[bidi]

Businesses like mine wouldn't buy these PCs even to put Linux on them simply because the specs are not high enough.

I afree with everything you said except this part (actually, I partially agree with you). That computer doesn't offer any state of the art hardware, but it should be enough for most people. Take me for example, I'm running Linux on a 4 year old P4, 256MB RAM and GeForce2 video card. That system is also not $850, I actually went on Dell and found that computer and built it like they had described it for $750 (w/ a 3.0Ghz P4 630). There's also entry level systems in the n-Series (check it out). In my opinion, that's pretty expensive for a system with nothing but freeDOS, but most companies would still go for the entry level ones like the 3000N (where I work we still have the old Dell OptiPlex GX400).

[a thing]

So? If anyone buys them, they'll think something is wrong, call some stupid PC repair person and he'll install Windows.

[SpaceSquad]

Yea, those specs suck as compared to what you could buy for 850 bucks USD...a nice athlon 64 gaming system...

[techieMoe]

Businesses like mine wouldn't buy these PCs even to put Linux on them simply because the specs are not high enough.

I afree with everything you said except this part (actually, I partially agree with you). That computer doesn't offer any state of the art hardware, but it should be enough for most people.

Perhaps "most people", but as I said, my business requires a lot more powerful hardware for our workstations.

[deek]

I also noticed, after checking out the nSeries, that you could easily purchase a PC from them, with windows, with a monitor for less than you could pick up the entry level with no monitor and freedos...

I guess I was thinking, without the OS, I would be getting the same hardware for really cheap...like $100-$200 cheap...for me, I agree, I am either going to build my own or I want something really, really cheap...right now, Dell isn't putting anything in my "cheap" price point...

[fingal]

IMHO Dells' prices are not competitive for their FreeDos computers. If I wanted a new PC I'd build my own. If I wanted to save time (and I do these days) I would go down the road to Morgan Computers, get a reworked PC for £300 and install Linux ... Then I would gradually upgrade it to save money.

[linux.newb]

So? If anyone buys them, they'll think something is wrong, call some stupid PC repair person and he'll install Windows.

I used to work for a blue computer company that rhymes with Hell (cant actually name them or I violate my Non Disclosure Agreement) in the software helpdesk dept

But yeah, some of the tech's I worked with were dumb as nails...some were quite gifted...others, like me, were middle of the road...I didi however, start on the path to "Linux Enlightenment" and therefore just became smarter...but I doubt that we would have ever supported linux as a whole.

And as for the fact its still quite expensive, you must remember, Dell builds its Pc's to be easy to use more than not...so they are priced accordingly - even with my discount I would have never bought one...

And while its no Os, its one of the first steps taken by a Major computer manufacturer to being Linux friendly. They already offer alot of drivers on their website for linux, which is nice.