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Provide more processor options for linux desktops

930 points posted to Accessories (Keyboards, etc.), Desktops, Linux by rebresb Feb 13

Only one Linux desktop model is available (Inspiron 530N) and only one processor choice exists for it (dual core 2160). This CPU is a low-to-moderate performance choice; it is near the lowest offering in the Windows line-up. While Linux clearly out-performs Windows on modest hardware, the choice of Linux doesn't merely reflect a cost-savings and performance-optimized decision. Users may want the choice of high-end CPUs for intensive applications with Linux. Windows is not the choice of those who want high-end equipment; it requires high-end equipment to run "well". Linux users seeking peak performance will thus want fast processors. (Note that the most/fastest supercomputers run Linux). Support for such processors / motherboards isn't an issue for Linux, so certification by Dell shouldn't be difficult (??). The profit margin is likely higher on these CPUs (??), so that should be attractive. So why doesn't Dell include fast Intel or AMD offerings such as quad-core, 64 X2, core 2 extreme, etc.?

jmxz
Feb 13		 Interestingly, Dell does offer it, but makes it near impossible to find.

Go to the business part of the web site (or call their 800 number instead of using the web site), and you'll find much better Linux computers from Dell.

Yes, it's very annoying that they don't put this on dell.com/open
rebresb
Feb 14		 Thanks! I had looked in the business section and seen the RedHat and freeDOS options, but was hoping to see the same hardware with Ubuntu for home users.

I haven't used RedHat - it's probably great - but you pay for 1-3 yr enterprise service support, which many users may not require. Maybe many would prefer it - at least until familiarized with their new system. The hardware issues have been vetted on these, so swapping distros raises fewer concerns too.
jmxz
Feb 14		 @rebresb: "for home users"

I've found that if I call their 800-sales-number they were happy to sell me a "small business" computer to myself as a home user. I forgot if I told them I could pretend to be a business or not.

@rebresb: "RedHat"

The most positive thing I can say about Red Hat is that if it works with Red Hat, Ubuntu will almost certainly install just fine; and even if it doesn't you can make not of the drivers Red Hat had; and either install them yourself or submit a bug report to Ubuntu or Debian, and with the info from the Red Hat install they'll gladly add them.
nerach
Mar 14		 That's right why we "must" buy a computer with windows if we want a core 2 duo 8500 ? That's stupid :(

I want a core 2 duo 8500 with Linux !
jmxz
Mar 14		 @nerach: "I want a core 2 duo 8500 with Linux !"

But you can get one from Dell. They just make it hard to find ...

Here's the link to the Linux Precision with the E8500 option
Intel™ Core®2 Duo E8500 (3.16GHz/1333MHz/6MB L2) 525W [add $549]
...
Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS v5 for EM64T 64bit system w/ 1 YR RHN, w/ Media [Included in Price]


It still boggles my mind that they hide these and don't link to them from dell.com/open.
nerach
Mar 14		 In the US stor yes but unfortunatly Im french and there's no Linux machine availaible with E8500 (only the Inspiron 530N... with E6750...) the E6750 isn't bad but it's not what I expecte for a NEW computer !
 
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