Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)
Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)
Posted Aug 13, 2009 22:55 UTC (Thu) by jspaleta (subscriber, #50639)Parent article: Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)
Dell's nose isn't completely clean here as Dell sales netbooks in retail chains like Best Buy...but they aren't selling the linux versions there. Nor are linux variants being bundled as part of data service contracts as far as I am aware. The return rates maybe a made up issue, but the shrinking of purchasing opportunities in the market place is another story entirely...something the OEMs have a lot of control over.
-jef
Posted Aug 14, 2009 0:35 UTC (Fri)
by drag (guest, #31333)
[Link] (9 responses)
The fact of the matter is that people are not actually asking for Linux systems. They are not walking into best buy and into computer stores asking for Linux systems. Until that happens it's never going to be a big priority for people like Dell to promote the fact that they offer Linux on some of their machines.
Demand must come from the bottom up, not dictated from the top down.
Posted Aug 14, 2009 1:24 UTC (Fri)
by dskoll (subscriber, #1630)
[Link] (2 responses)
The fact of the matter is that people are not actually asking for Linux systems.
That's not true, but...
They are not walking into best buy and into computer stores asking for Linux systems.
That absolutely is. Why on earth would I buy from overpriced computer stores with clueless clerks whose mission in life is to rip me off with an "extended warranty"? The more sophisticated types who are likely to go for Linux machines do one of three things: They buy whitebox systems from mom-and-pop stores, they buy online, or they buy direct from the manufacturer.
I've bought two Linux-based netbooks (specifically requiring Linux) and I couldn't have found those in the normal big-box electronic stores. I bought the first from a small mom-and-pop store and the second online.
For my business, I've bought maybe 30 machines for our own use and probably 100 that we've resold, none with Windows. There's no way I'd go to a name-brand computer or electronic store to buy gear like that.
Posted Aug 14, 2009 3:08 UTC (Fri)
by dbruce (guest, #57948)
[Link]
I was interested to see that a machine was set up with a Microsoft
Posted Aug 19, 2009 10:56 UTC (Wed)
by pboddie (guest, #50784)
[Link]
Given that direct sales were the foundation of Dell's original success, you'd think Dell would entertain more choice and attract more of this type of customer, especially as they're not having to carry stock that has to be moved around between physical stores or warehouses in order to instantly satisfy walk-in customers. It should all mostly be a matter of just-in-time stuff these days, especially pre-loading the software. Once again, I await the day when vendors aren't tempted to bundle software for the sake of it and where the pricing is transparent.
Posted Aug 14, 2009 1:43 UTC (Fri)
by ncm (guest, #165)
[Link] (2 responses)
If BB doesn't have it, people know better than to call in the manager and ask why not, or demand a change; they just go elsewhere. If BB doesn't stock it, the reasons may have nothing at all to do with potential sales.
Posted Aug 14, 2009 2:34 UTC (Fri)
by PaulWay (guest, #45600)
[Link] (1 responses)
Microsoft started this whole campaign by taking the online stories of people buying netbooks and installing Windows on them and used it as evidence that "people want Windows rather than Linux". They conveniently overlooked that people weren't installing Vista but XP and older Windows versions that would work on the low-spec hardware. They then offered 'discounts' for licenses on these 'cut down' machines as a further consumer incentive.
Microsoft has then threatened various resellers - Best Buy, Walmart, Harvey Norman (here in Australia), etc - with taking away their Windows licensing discount if they promote Linux before Windows. Citation needed, I know, but let's face it that's all going to be under NDA and the evidence will be hearsay that no-one will admit to (or have their discount revoked, etc). What ncm said applies here - zero units for sale, zero units sold.
Microsoft has then made lots of press about how few Linux machines are selling, how many (allegedly) get returned, etc., all to promote Windows.
Microsoft then uses this to force the OEMs to up their specs, include more support for Vista-only hardware, etc., to push the netbook market back into its own territory.
It's all strategy, and they've done it (and succeeded) over and over again. We should not be surprised that they try it one more time.
Have fun,
Paul
Posted Aug 14, 2009 12:21 UTC (Fri)
by leomilano (guest, #32220)
[Link]
Look no further
Posted Aug 14, 2009 4:21 UTC (Fri)
by iabervon (subscriber, #722)
[Link] (1 responses)
On the other hand, I don't think there's a sizeable number of people who will go into a retail store looking for a Linux netbook and ask for one when there don't seem to be any available. I doubt there's actually a sizeable number of people who go into retail stores and ask for any particular computers which aren't there. I think people actually physically enter stores when they want to see what items are available in person to get an idea of what they want to buy.
Posted Aug 14, 2009 23:36 UTC (Fri)
by Requiem (guest, #51519)
[Link]
Posted Aug 19, 2009 16:47 UTC (Wed)
by maco (guest, #53641)
[Link]
Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)
Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)
Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)
eee). All the more capable netbooks, including Dell Minis, were Windows-
was met with a blank stare.
presentation entitled "Is a Windows Netbook Right For You?", and expected
to see some sort of anti-Linux FUD. However, the presentation never
mentioned Linux, or even suggested that anything other than Windows was a
possibility. It was purely aimed at convincing people to buy a more
expensive machine with Vista, rather than an inexpensive one with XP.
Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)
Why on earth would I buy from overpriced computer stores with clueless clerks whose mission in life is to rip me off with an "extended warranty"? The more sophisticated types who are likely to go for Linux machines do one of three things: They buy whitebox systems from mom-and-pop stores, they buy online, or they buy direct from the manufacturer.
Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)
Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)
Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)
>Norman (here in Australia), etc - with taking away their Windows licensing
>discount if they promote Linux before Windows. Citation needed, I know,
http://www.groklaw.net/articlebasic.php?story=20090619161...
Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)
Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)
Dell: Linux netbook returns a "non-issue" (ZDNet)