[ubuntu-uk] Purchase of camera on the high street

[alan c]

I bought a camera today from a high street shop. We looked first in 
another shop but a particular model was not in stock. However Currys 
Digital did have stock.

I will never buy such things without first finding out if they can be 
used with Ubuntu. Last year in another (camera) shop this had resulted 
in a lost sale. I would take in a laptop with ubuntu and ask for the 
camera  to be demonstrated - with ubuntu, before a final purchase 
decision.

I do know the memory card could be removed and a card reader used, but 
that is not the point!

I happened to have a ubuntu (8.10) bootable usb stick with me and 
discussed the situation with the assistant. He spoke briefly with the 
manager and got the ok to use one of the display PCs. The manager had 
reservations about the alien hardware maybe not being accepted.

However it booted perfectly, and once the display model camera had a 
memory card fitted, it was recognised and f-spot downloaded pictures. :-)

I was pleased that we could buy the camera we wanted. Also that the 
shop began to get experience of live usb/cd ubuntu, and had seen an 
example of spending power linked to ubuntu.
-- 
alan cocks
Ubuntu user #10391
Linux user #360648