[ubuntu-uk] Going back to the Dell deal...

[Michael Holloway]

[-| I just realized how long this is, sorry in advance :)  |-]

I was just on Dell's site, I thought out of interest i'll go see what
they have. While you can find Ubuntu machines by browsing, its not
exactly advertised... so you will never come accross it unless you are
looking for it, and unless you know what "Open-source PC's" means.

So i wonder: why bother?

Here's why i think.

1. Well, no need to confuse the average user with the concept of "What
do you mean it doesn't have windows?", because they wont take that
option anyway. While i haven't looked into it too much, the cost
difference will be almost negligable so no general users will buy it.

 - so far: No sales increase

2. How many Linux users would buy a one? I'm not sure i can answer this,
but i imagine not too many. Most linux users like to customise their
machines, and put all the latest and greatest (or cheapest and oldest)
compenents into it. So they would normally buy a machine and put bits in
it, and download whatever linux distro they want. Lets be fair, Dells
are good for the office, but they are not particularly good, hardware-
wise.

- so far: No sales increase (maybe a small one?)

3. Now we look at IT department buyers. They (we?) have to buy X number
of new desktops/laptops for the HR dept or Sales dept or something. We
know they use windows, but we dont really care what make the computer
is. Therefor we buy whatever good deal comes along from whoever it is.
However, now with Dell "supporting the OSS community", how many Buyers
are going to support Dell in return. Even if it is just buying Windows
PC's for HR. I think a lot of "us" would go with Dell purely for that
reason.

- and now: Large business sales increase!!

In summary, i think Dell are making a lot of money, not from the Ubuntu
deal, but because of it!

What do think, am i just talking rubbish?
(or do i have too much time on my hands today?)