Dell's Ubuntu Boxes Shed Light On The Windows Tax
from the what-would-you-do-with-$50? dept
Not only has Vista not fueled a boom in PC sales, but as computer prices have come down, there's been a lot of talk about the "Windows tax", the growing share of a computer's cost that just goes to Microsoft. As the Windows tax has grown, there's been a rise in crapware (to help offset the tax) and interest in Windows alternatives, like desktop Linux. This week Dell announced details of its desktop Linux plan, including the price at which it would sell computers with a preinstalled version of Ubuntu Linux. As it turns out, computers loaded with Ubuntu will be about $50 cheaper than a Windows computer with the same hardware configuration, which is probably in the ballpark of what Dell pays Microsoft for a copy of Windows. As for whether a $50 Windows tax will push consumers to seek alternatives, it probably depends on other factors. On higher-end machines, it's unlikely that this would affect which operating system a consumer wants. But at the low end, it could be enough to get people interested in other options.Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
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Sounds like Dell is just doing it half heartedly.
Then again they may be factoring in the cost of higher support costs for supporting it.
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Re: Sounds like Dell is just doing it half hearted
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Crapware
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Re: Crapware
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As for windows tax cuts...well, I am sure that it costs more than $50.00...but, I am happy for Dell or any other PC seller to make some money distributing other OS alternatives to Windows.
Yes, windows is more user friendly than Linux, but Linux is getting more and more user friendly recently...and has proven to be more secure than Windows :)
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I honestly did not think Dell would offer any version of linux and was quite pleased to see the deed is now done.
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However, they do now offer systems with FreeDOS instead of Windows for $160 less. Of course, on their business models, HP does not include as much Crapware as Dell and other "home PC" vendors.
I guess that gives me yet another reason to stick with HP systems......
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Who cares?
I don't use Windows, don't want to, and consider Ubuntu to be a pretty decent desktop OS. ESPECIALLY when someone else does the work to get all my hardware working correctly.
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The good thing is...
The end result being that even though the cost savings aren't what people hoped for, the increase in visibility and usability of the systems will be improved. Linux geeks will be suggesting these new machines to family members and helping to increase the base.
If a user buys one of these versions as a Windows computer, they will have Vista, the ability to put on Linux, and available drivers for Linux.
Considering these things, the $50 drop doesn't mean as much. I don't really see a down side actually.
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Re: The good thing is...
"I'm sorry Mr. Partvendor, we are no longer sourcing from you because your competitor's products work better for us with *all* the OS's we install."
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Mainstream users
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Wait and see.
That being said, it's great to see the option there. I spent some time last night, configuring a laptop that was way too expensive for me, Linux option or not. :) One of these days...
EtG
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alt OS
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Re: alt OS
Eh, whatever. Linux (in my ever-so-humble opinion) beats the living crap out of Windows in every way imaginable (with the possible exception of playing the latest games). This is, of course, why I use Linux.
I'm happy that Dell is offering a choice of pre-installed operating systems. I would be ecstatic if they offered BSD, Be, and maybe a couple of other Linux distros as well. Choice is good.
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Re: alt OS
After moving through C-64/128, several Macs, and a few Windows systems over the years...........
Just being back in the Amiga era of a bit over 15 years ago. I had really nice operating OS's that operated better than Windows does today.
Those that only used Windows over the years, just don't realise that there were better OS's even years ago that handled and operated very well compared to Windows.
I will long remember my shock at getting my first Windows system and the saleman handing me the copy of the OS with the words, 'You'll need this to re-install Windows'.........
You see, that was never needed on any of the other OS's I had been using. The several and multiple upgrade versions OS's simply didn't self-destruct like Windows does......
Oh sure I had heard about that......... I just didn't have to see it being needed fro the 17 years before then.
That's something Windows needs to change in itself.......... It's been almost 30 years now. I wonder if Redmond will ever get that engineered into it's product.........
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Alt OS
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# 15
And there were other GUI's that blew Windows away. DOS was an OS, and there were other choices even for that then. PC DOS and DR DOS are the 2 i used. DOS was an OS, windows wasn't.
I don't consider Windows and OS. It hasn't been since Microsoft bundled DOS into its GUI. Windows is more an "operating platform".
I do agree that $50 is no big deal. I build my own computers, have been since 1985. However, I have yet to find a copy of Vista for even $50, it is more like $100+.
I recently got Ubuntu & Kbuntu, 32 & 64 bit versions for FREE. I didnt even have to pay shipping. I have been using Open Office since it started out as Star Office.
I have used Windows since it firat came out. I opted for GEOS until it quit working and have followed the greenback road all the way. I even beta tested Vista. But I am no longer following that path. Linux, thru the *buntu releases
will do me just fine. I understanbd that Linux is not for everyone, but then, that is THEIR loss.
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Because Dell cannot put Crapware(tm) on a Linux machine, you end up having to pay more.
The $50 difference is actually the "Windows Tax" PLUS what you are not saving by getting Crapware(tm)
So the real "Windows Tax" may only be $25, and it is possible that under normal circumstances you would also save $25 by getting Crapware(tm) installed.
Perhaps Dell should start giving users the option to get Crapware(tm) preinstalled or not?
Linux $0 (included in price)
Windows +$50
Windows w/Crapware(tm) +$25 (Dell Recommended!)
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First the graphics. Yes, Windows offers Intel 3000 compared to Intel 950 for the Linux boxes, but it costs exactly the same ($50) to upgrade to the Geoforce 7300 in either system. And while the Linux system does not offer the ATI, if you are interested in that level of graphics you're probably a gamer, and games are still one of the areas where Windows has the clear upper hand (for now) so you're likely better off sticking with the platform.
Price. I didn't look at the other models, just the E520 (the kind most beginner and moderate users are likely to get), but the initial price difference is $80, not $50. Not counting the video card (unless you choose to upgrade to the Geoforce) the price for the other hardware (HD, processor, RAM) is identical, with ONE exception: the monitor.
If you choose to forego the monitor in the Linux (Ubuntu) offering, you save $190 instead of $130. That's an additional $60, bringing the savings to $140. A lot of people don't really need another monitor in some cases, and those that do can generally find a much better deal for $190 than what Dell is offering for that price.
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It's comparable to the problem with a new video game console. You can build a new console, but you need games to make it mainstream. And you need an installed hardware base to make game/app development worth while, a catch-22.
In spite of what some like to think, mainstream home computing power rest on the ability of being able to go to Target, Best Buy, etc and buy your typical Linux application off the shelf or via the internet. That's not going to happen anytime soon.
As the family computer geek I'm going to say, "Yes Linux is a much better operating system then Windows but you can't buy software for it."? Hardly a convincing argument.
Business computing is the only place where it is even possible for Linux. Business doesn't change anything that isn't causing an immediate problem.
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Besides which, a lot of games are coming with Linux binaries as well as Windows binaries.
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Not in any practical sense to making a dent in anything.
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Let's also not forget the cool in factor of which Linux has zip, zero, zilch. As a matter of fact it's a geek OS, that only geek losers use (public perception). Mac's are back in style not because they are easy to use, which they are, but because they are perceived as cool and the in thing. The penguin the in Indy 500 was a sad attempt to make Linux popular. They took something with no brand recognition and pasted it on a race car thinking it would get some recognition.
The regular use wants to be spoon fed information and doesn't want anything to do with learning or reading any manual. Until Linux has useless amounts of software available (it doesn't matter if it's good software, they just want choices), has drivers for everything out there, will practically turn itself on get the user their chips and beer, AND when it gets some street cred, MAYBE then it will take off. Until then people have Windows and Mac and not much else thinking to do.
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Granny
If someone (say my mother) wanted to get a home computer to use for email and surfing the web then a Linux box would be a tempting low cost solution.
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