Implemented: Ubuntu Dell is Le$$ Than Windows Dell

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The Dell Community has contributed: 10385 ideas | promoted 697808 times | 80735 comments

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33780

Implemented: Ubuntu Dell is Le$$ Than Windows Dell

33780 points posted to Linux by thebittersea 05/05/07 **IMPLEMENTED**

see comment from Erik down below... [Dell's Pricing Team]

$774 Inspiron 1420 (Ubuntu)
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Ubuntu version 7.04
Anti-glare, widescreen 14.1 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
80GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
Integrated High Definition Audio

$824 Inspiron 1420 (Vista)
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5250 (1.5GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows® Vista Home Basic Edition
Anti-glare, widescreen 14.1 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
80GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
24X CD writer/DVD Combo Drive
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Integrated High Definition Audio
The difference in promotion pricing was due to an error on the site, which has been fixed.

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rockettech 05/05/07	Smart move showing your support for Dell by using an Acer notebook.
mistern 05/05/07	You do know that there is added cost - and value - because Dell can't / won't install junkware on Dell Linux PCs?
thebittersea 05/05/07	Are you saying that Dell gets kick back from bloatware companies?
rockettech 05/05/07	You think they put it on because AOL is so great???
cosh 05/06/07	Whatever the "kick back" is, it can't be more than the cost of Windows Vista!!!
thebittersea 05/06/07	cosh, i agree. Otherwise it will be the biggest con in history!
jack.ripoff 05/07/07	The OEMs are the only ones with enough power to pressure the chip vendors to release their documentation! Vendors: we don't want your source code and we don't want NDAs. All we want is the complete documentation of your hardware so we can build our own stable and maintainable opensource drivers! If Dell wants to let its customers satisfied with its new Linux PCs offering, it MUST make vendors provide full and free (both in the sense of freedom - i.e. not under NDA - and in the sense of price) documentation. The rest (hardware support and opensource drivers) will come along. Cast your vote for free hardware documentation! Dell's Linux PCs offering will be completely useless without proper hardware support... http://www.ideastorm.com/article/show/64498
bluewolf030 05/07/07	I would buy it anyway... I would much rather pay to support Ubuntu than to pay Microsoft for an OS I am never going to use.
thebittersea 05/07/07	Yeah? Would you pay a premium for it? I've never used Ubuntu before, but the interface looks way better than Windows.
limerat 05/08/07	Give compelling reasons for people to choose Linux (such as price) and they will. I did.
thebittersea 05/09/07	I just CAN NOT WAIT FOR UBUNTU Laptops! With Santa Rosa of course
inoeth 05/10/07	Indeed, they really have to drop the price of the computers when there's no Window's on it... but i swear that they already said they're gonna do this...
jorge 05/18/07	Do a price comparison of the FreeDOS machines vs the Vista computer your results will blow your mind!
expatinasia 05/18/07	Wow, bumpersticks! Really cool.
dell_admin1 05/24/07	Changed status to IMPLEMENTED.
dell_admin1 05/24/07	On average, comparably configured Ubuntu systems will be about $50 less than Windows systems.
jorge 05/24/07	What about the no-OS system? Forgot on those FreeDOS systems I can configure them (equal hardware) so the Vista one is $8 cheaper.
winoffice 05/24/07	Dear dell_admin1, About your most recent comment before I posted this one: Please do not raise the prices of Windows systems just so that the Linux ones cost "less." About thebittersea's idea: Please remove the picture. It has defamatory material against Microsoft, and the Terms of Use forbid defamatory and offensive material.
jorge 05/24/07	Which one is defamatory?
thebittersea 05/24/07	Implemented on my birthday! Woohoo!
jorge 05/24/07	Whats that mean? None will be offered?
thebittersea 05/24/07	Change Status to IMPLEMENTEDIMPLEMENTED
thebittersea 05/24/07	jorge... something happened... I changed the status to None now... what the heck?
thebittersea 05/24/07	I can't change it back... :( I don't know what happened... Dell_Admin1?! I think it's the same bug as the one that always remembers your last comment whenever you try to create or edit a new comment...
jorge 05/24/07	How did you change the status? Thought dell_admin(s) could only do that.
thebittersea 05/24/07	I DO NOT KNOW. ITS WEIRD!
jorge 05/24/07	Oh, none is default what are you smoking?
thebittersea 05/24/07	but this idea was IMPLEMENTED like a minute ago... :\| something's changed..
jorge 05/24/07	Well as much as we want it, I don't think Dell will do it.
cosh 05/24/07	The status tags get reset when you make an edit. It's an IdeaStorm bug.
jorge 05/24/07	So thats how my vi mug idea went from nobel prize to none.
thebittersea 05/24/07	cosh, noted... it's not a big deal. Dell_Admin1 needs to clean this up ... if all possible. I just confirmed that the 1505n is $50 less than its Vista counterpart... Granted that they didn't raise the Vista machine price to start with :D
arthurdent3 05/24/07	Too Bad there is no fair comparison since the Vista counterpart has a much better video card. If they were entirely equal then I would agree but the video card is probable work over $100 more than the intel that comes with the 1505n. Nice try but not a deal for me. Now the XPS system I was able to see the cost difference and that was $50 but the laptop is not a good deal at all. I would buy the Vista one and put Ubuntu on it if I wanted a laptap that bad. I will wait and see if dell come up with some better options and systems with Ubuntu on them.
ralsis 05/26/07	The Laptops with Ubuntu preload must be more cheaper, but, for it, I think that we need sponsors, like in the Win system.
thebittersea 05/27/07	see my update from today in the main article. there's no justice!
jorge 05/27/07	I've been saying that since they released the FreeDOS machines, its rigged. There will be no justice, Bill is still funneling dough to Dell for their preferred relationship. If anyone on this planet can justify how Vista can be cheaper than FreeDOS without smoke and mirrors please chime in.
mistern 05/27/07	I guess Microsoft makes nearly no money from Dell.
cosh 05/27/07	Stupidly enough, that's not true. Even though Dell fiddle the numbers to make it look like Microsoft pays them, examine this quote from the Microsoft website: "Sales to Dell and its subsidiaries in the aggregate accounted for approximately 11% of fiscal year 2006 and 10% in each of fiscal year 2005 and 2004 revenue." Source: http://www.microsoft.com/msft/reports/ar06/staticversion/10k_fr_bus_05.html< 11% of their entire revenue. This is a company that makes $38,194 in pure profit in every minute. They can and do spend billions on marketing and ways of forcing the market prices of competing products. It's not fair. Linux needs marketing too.
jorge 05/27/07	Nooo! Marketing for Linux?, it would be like advertising air, earth or the ability to whine.
mistern 05/28/07	Air is being marketed.
kamaboko 05/29/07	Yes, I see this as nothing but air from Dell. I was all for it at first, but now that the picture is clear, I'd like to see it fall flat on Mike Dell's face. I wasn't expecting a $200 drop in price. What I was expecting though was something along the lines of $50~$75.
rockettech 05/29/07	What is linux market penetration worth to you? Do you want a cheap laptop or do you want linux pre-loaded by a top-tier computer maker? You're sending a mixed message when you say you want linux from Dell, then when Dell delivers, you complain about the price. Doesn't the license exclude makeing a profit from the distribution / reselling of the OS?
mistern 05/30/07	No the license (if you mean the GPL) doesn't exclude making profit from selling the software governed by it.
rockettech 05/30/07	Well then, I guess it is unrealistic to expect Dell to sell linux machines and not try to make money off of it. Overwhelming support was shown for Dell pre-loading linux on machines, and I guess they figured they could charge a premium for it. My guess is the prices will come down to meet demand, or they will drop the whole program again. It would be nice if we knew the thinking behind the pricing- is their some pressure on Dell to keep the price up, is there a hidden cost, etc? Do we need to protest somebody? Do we need to call an Attorney General on soMebodyS about unfair business practices? Can we find out where the 'extra' cost is coming from?
jorge 05/30/07	Good read, but is it hype or http://update.informationweek.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/m8FD0GPsHw0G4n0FHpC0Fb
jorge 06/05/07	Yea, but isn't it funny that they had to make a piece of software to run windows OS and software on it. When has any other OS attempted let alone wanted to run a Mac app? Notice how Mac apps are made Microcrap native? Who is who's bitch? Sorry reg, but no matter how good their hardware is a pretend Unix is still not cutting it.
reg 06/05/07	ah, jorge - I'll let you find the tech details for yourself why Apple has to load a program to support Microsoft Obsolete software, much like you would need to run an emulator for C>64 or a ZX-80, Apple provides the software support free to enable you to continue using outdated Legacy Windows Platform. Some people like the 'old school' way of computing, It's ok - we all liked Windows in the past, but it is time to move on. I particularly enjoyed Windows Rock Solid Stability, Crash Proof Performance, Error free programs, unbreakable network security, low price, ease of programming, and friendly, open, and accepting nature to 3rd party developers.
reg 06/05/07	Well, to explain it in simple technical terms: Apple Macs Intel Core 2 Duo systems use theEFI - ExTreme Funkadelic Interface as the foundation to build excellent software on outstanding hardware. Whereas most legacy Microsoft code worked with something that was called BIOS - Backwards Insufficient Outdated Subsystem. The EFI allows your Macintosh to Shake that Groove, Puts the Hop in your Hip-Hop, the Rock in your Rock-n-Roll, and the Stars of Texas in all your country music. And if you have talent, feel free to create your next movie in iDVD and iMovie HD. For the musically gifted, start your own band and produce your own music CDs using GarageBand. For the scientifically gifted, genetically engineering your pet Unicorn~Pegasus Hybrid is something you can do on your lunch hour. Now back in the IBM-PC era, BIOS allowed PCs to talk to floppy disks, 9-pin printers, card readers, and 1200 baud modems. Though primitive, each BIOS was hand carved out of sharp bits of rock, bound together with leather, and exhibited outstanding craftsmanship for a tool developed sometime before the Bronze Age of Man. Apple's team of dedicated software archeologists have recreated the BIOS experience for historical software, such as Microsoft Windows. As the savage code of .DLLs walk out of the jungle and into the city of light, BootCamp holds it's hand so Windows does not become scared, panic and run away from all the shiny metal and glass.
badblood 06/05/07	Macs are pretty.
jorge 06/05/07	Here's some pretty situations Macs like to get you into: http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/sbbod.html
winoffice 06/06/07	Dear jorge, About your comment on my request to dell_admin1: The labels are defamatory against Microsoft software, particularly where the "Designed for Windows XP/Windows Vista Capable" label was illegally reproduced, as well as the one with the blue "Linux" logo. I would be for this idea, but I demoted it and reported abuse because of thebittersea's offensive picture.
jorge 06/06/07	You lost me, which comment?
reg 06/06/07	The new OS X 10.5 'beach ball' has a more artistic expression:
mckraken 06/10/07	Linux will not work well with the average consumer. Linux is just too complicated. An example would be installing software. In windows I click "next", "next", "next", "finish", and thats it. So simple. In linux so much more complicated. I have to install header files, compile the kernel, and so much other crap. Why cant Linux be as easy as Windows when installing software? Second, the average consumer is going to go to Walmart and buy software and they are going to call dell support and complain why wont the software work. The average consumer does not understand windows software can not work on linux. If linux were as simple as Windows to use it would be awesome, but it is not.
jorge 06/10/07	Thats what they said about windows when everyone was using DOS. Linux is as easy as Windows, ever help someone trying it for the first time?
reg 06/10/07	mckraken - ah try puppy http://www.puppylinux.org/user/viewpage.php?page_id=1
jorge 06/10/07	I was talking about winblows.
ferose2 06/10/07	1505 actually costs less than 1505n! $699 vs $728. Maybe it is because of the free video card with 1505.
jorge 06/10/07	No its because of the kick backs and bloatware discount.
jonsmirl 06/12/07	I'm ordering a Vista XPS 410 right now. I wanted a Ubuntu one but I'm going to throw away yet another copy of Windows. The Vista XPS 410 has $200 off today and free ship for a total of $869. The identical Ubuntu machine is $1019 plus $29.99 shipping. So today Ubuntu costs $170 more than Windows instead of $50 less. Why can't I have the same discounts on the Ubuntu machine?
badblood 06/12/07	Good questioni jonsmirl, good question. Maybe you should put the idea: Vista and Ubuntu computers should have the same discounts'
jorge 06/12/07	Give it up, its a lost cause. At this moment its cost effective for a customer to buy it with windows and then install Ubuntu after receiving it and paying less. Also, I think the BIOS on the "n" designated laptops/desktops will no longer allow the Dell windows re-install CD to install without a valid key, things to ponder (for when you sell it after you get a newer one).
blacksadness 06/12/07	mckraken, on ubuntu, double click the .deb file to install it if you're looking for a next finish interface, but that's actually the complicated way, usually you just press applications, add remove programs you choose what you want to add and click apply.. wow hard work..
reg 06/13/07	It should cost the same, and DELL donate the difference to 'Save the Whales and Dolphins'
badblood 06/13/07	What difference reg? Windows give Vista Basic to Dell for free it seems, and Vista and Ubuntu probably cost more or less the same to pre-install. There is no difference. Vista is probablty cheaper because it requires less specialised support. I read somewhere that Linux support is more expensive than Microsoft, hijacking any potential savings you may have made by the 'free' download.
deepaks 06/14/07	i agree
rajeshja 06/16/07	I just configured a Dimension E520, three different ways - Dell E520 (Vista Home Premium) -------------------------------------- Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 Vista Home Premium No Monitor 2 GB Dual Channel DDR2 @ 667MHz - 2 DIMMs 320 GB SATA HDD 7200rpm w/Databurst Cache 16x DVD+/-RW Drive 256MB nVidia Geforce 7300LE TurboCache Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio Dell USB Multimedia Keyboard & Optical USB Mouse 13 in 1 Media Card Reader No Speakers 1 Yr In-home Service No Accident Protection Recycling Kit and Plant a Tree Cost: $860 Dell E520 N (Ubuntu) --------------------------- Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 Ubuntu 7.04 Desktop Edition No Monitor 2 GB Dual Channel DDR2 @ 667MHz - 2 DIMMs 320 GB SATA HDD 7200rpm w/Databurst Cache 16x DVD+/-RW Drive 256MB nVidia Geforce 7300LE TurboCache Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio Dell USB Enhanced Multimedia Keyboard 13 in 1 Media Card Reader No Speakers 1 Yr In-home Service No Accident Protection Recycling Kit and Plant a Tree $710 That's a difference of $150! If I change it to Vista Home Premium to Vista Ultimate, the difference is $319! If that's not value for money, what is?
ayeohx 06/17/07	What?! Someone researched before posting? You're screwin it up for the rest of us! Get you and your big ol' brain outta here! I did an exact config with a better proc in both and the price difference was about $130. The big difference is there is no support for the Ubuntu machine and if you tack that on its a heck of a lot more. BUT if you're a Linux geek why do you need tech support? Suffering through freakish issues should be your gig! Besides, you could even go FreeDOS (it's like not even having an OS!) if you want and load whatever you'd like. Huh... DOS on a Core2Duo... Crusader No Regret here I come!
luis1692 06/18/07	Desde Mexico les puedo decir que si aprte de traer preistalado ubuntu (de preferencia en laptops) poner discos duros de mayor capacidad menos de 750 dolares esta bien considerando que en Mexico una buena laptop anda en 13
ayeohx 06/18/07	In other words (from google translator) "From Mexico I can say that if aprte to them to bring preistalado ubuntu (of preference in laptops) to put hard disks of greater capacity less than 750 dollars this good considering that in Mexico good laptop walks in 13 ". I don't think Google translated "walks in 13" correctly, what do you mean? I don't think Ubuntu on Dells is available to other countries yet but how about FreeDos? I checked the Euro Dell site and I dont think they can purchase FreeDOS but I'm not sure. If so you could go that route. Otherwise I would find the Idea on this site for preloading Ubuntu in other countries and promote it.
nighthawke 06/19/07	As per the Open Source rules, any reseller CANNOT put a price on a Linux operating system, unless they add service contracts and other features that would be beneficial to the consumer. A deal cut with Ubuntu to resell their support would have a double whammy and potential for both parties to earn a profit, along with Joe Consumer getting the personalized support that he/she/it so doubly deserves. The other whammy would be that Dell as a support entity would NOT need to maintain a support desk for the OS, unless it's for specific issues concerning Dell-proprietary components, such as printers and displays. Then those exceptions would be laid out in the warranty and support docs to guide the consumer on their path to a stable system and happiness.
lukisi 06/19/07	I might understand Linux costing more than Windows PC... but only if the Windows PC has devices that are not supported in Linux. This way, if you want to use Linux you have to go for the Linux-preloaded PC. Otherwise, one could buy a Windows-preloaded PC and then install Linux... and Dell could say "hey, there is no demand for linux"
rirodar 06/19/07	me indinga que Dell ofresca UBUNTU y WINDOWS VISTA casi al mismo precio, se quieren reir de sus futuros compradores
deadowl 06/19/07	Linux vs. Windows PCs is an example of activity based costing gone awry. Wow, being a CSIS major is actually useful.
reg 06/19/07	But, have you studied the TCO of Linux, vs. the TCO of Windows + Virus Scanner + etc. vs. the TCO of Macintosh? Or even the TCO of TACO BELL? Mmmm, Chalupas !
jorge 06/19/07	Chalupas vs BigMac, whats the TOC?
reg 06/19/07	Remember the TOC will include antacids if you get heartburn, drinks, drive time fuel & maintenance costs of vehicle to and from food vendor, wrapper paper disposal costs, etc. etc.
yesmathew 06/21/07	It looks like, it is better to buy a windowz based PCs and ask for Windowz refund, will workout cheaper than Ubuntu PCs
mistern 06/21/07	yesmathew: Don't do that. The slightly different motherboard might not be fully compatible or, worse, you might get an ATI graphics card. Also, every dedicated Linux sale helps the Linux cause.
yesmathew 06/21/07	Agree with mistern.
eddiegi686 06/21/07	Ubuntu could very well be a better operating system than windows vista... when / if it ever is i would expect to pay more for it or a comparable price......people pay more for better things... if they care, most peopel don't care so they stick with windows which works and doesn't require you to compile drivers against a constantly changing kernel. The windows driver model, like on other successful systems which keep a stable unchanging kernel for over 6 months or use a driver interface between kernel and drivers allowing drivers to be made without knowledge of kernel internals has more success. Macs get buyers even though they cost far too much because people know they are better in some ways. I don't persnally think linux can get anywhere with manufacturers until it is more manufacturer friendly, of course its fine for people who build pcs, compile their own kernel and spend hours tweaking. In the end i think its very difficult to see how lower pricing based on an operating system choice is going to have a major impact on the majority of customers.
reg 06/21/07	I have tried the taste test between a Windows Install CD, a Ubuntu Install LiveCD, and a Chalupa. The Chalupas win every time!
jorge 06/21/07	Did you deep fry the CD's?
reg 06/21/07	yes, with ice cream.
dida68 06/22/07	sure it is not fair that linux systems costs equal or more than windows, since there are no licencing fees. On the other side having another taste is always more expensive (see Apple). But this special taste is often bundeled with added value (see also Apple) It is not done with a preinstalled Ubuntu on windows notebooks. I wonder if the linux systems also have a so called windows keyboard (with the windows logo on the super key) and if the "designed for windows" sticker is on the front. Michel, sell linux hardware and make it visible eg with a tux keybord and with the linux or ubuntu logo branded on the the case. Otherwise everyone can buy windows systems and install linux. And Dell could say "hey, there is no demand for linux" This is also ok. I think the sucess for linux depends not on dell offering linux systems, sure it will help.
mistern 06/23/07	Recently demoted by bathow, a DELL admin. I don't know if I like this.
winoffice 06/23/07	Bathow bears the Dell logo! He/She must be another administrator! But on the other side, mistern, when I clicked the link to him/her in your comment, I saw "User not found". Could this be dell_admin1 in disguise (since he/she still has the Dell logo)?
thebittersea 06/23/07	mistern, sharp eyes. dell's definitely entitled to their opinions, but i hope they don't for get the old adage "customer's always right".
jervis961 06/23/07	dell_admin1 has been giving out the Dell logo to employees who request it. This is a way they are trying to show employees are participating. The logo does not mean that they are admin they could be a janitor for all we know.
thebittersea 06/23/07	This won't go very well with the linux community. This pretty much shows that Dell, the company and its employees are not in unison as far as their commitment to Ubuntu and lowering the cost of personal computers. On one hand, we have Ubuntu 1505ns, on the other, we have people like Bathow undermining this whole project.
badblood 06/23/07	It's a hack?
jervis961 06/23/07	LOL
thebittersea 06/23/07	can someone save a screenshot of this. dell's know for reneging.
jorge 06/23/07	Who cares if a Dell employee is on here? Better yet give tags to other corporations on here, that would be more helpful.
ayeohx 06/24/07	Agreed Jorge, Dell imps should get their say like anyone else. Really now gang, do you really think that when you work for a corporation you instantly get the "hive mind" attitude? If anything it's good that Dell doesn't mind their folks posting in here. heck, I'd be WAY more offended if Dell tried to censor thier people from voicing their opinions.
reg 06/24/07	http://www.projectcensored.org/
thebittersea 06/24/07	FRKK
sumyunggai 06/24/07	Dell with Ubuntu ALREADY DOES cost less than Dell with MS Windows...if you have everything preinstalled by Dell. Remember that Ubuntu already comes with OpenOffice.org. If you add Microsoft's equivalent (Microsoft Office), you can tack on another $200, minimum. So, the Ubuntu equivalent of Microsoft's offering is already significantly cheaper, to the tune of, at a minimum, $250. Could you download and install OpenOffice.org on your MS Windows box? Sure! But remember, we're talking preinstallations, like for Joe Sixpack that doesn't yet know about OpenOffice.org. Hmm...maybe Dell should include OO.o as a preinstalled choice wherever MS Office is also a choice...hmmm.... For those who want to claim, "oh, OpenOffice.org isn't the equal of MS Office, that's why I pay more for the latter," then great, go ahead. However, in my five years of using OpenOffice.org, I have always found it comparable--and even superior in some ways--to Microsoft Office. That actually includes opening up certain Microsoft Word files, created by MS Word, that newer versions of MS Word itself have trouble with! --SYG
dell_admin1 06/25/07	all - "bathow" is no longer a user in the system. Also, not all Dell employees have the Dell logo yet, FYI.
thebittersea 06/26/07	Changed status to none.