[LUNI] FW: [Chicago] can I buy a ubuntu dell from a local store?

[sean lynch]

Dells with Linux are only available through Dell's website.
http://dell.com/linux

I am currently using a Dell 1420n that came with with Ubuntu. If you 
look at Dells in a store they may have the same models as on the Linux 
site, but there may be internal differences.

Windows based Dells may use these options:
http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/inspnnb_1420?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

The Linux model has a subset of these that are supported by Linux. For 
instance only the Intel® 3945 802.11a/g wireless card is offered on the 
Linux models.

The Linux model offers a few other benefits. Dell's price includes a 
licensed copy of LinDVD, allowing legal playback of encrypted DVD's. 
Dell also provides drivers for the winmodem in their Linux laptops.

If you choose to purchase locally, choose a model with components used 
in the Linux version, and you can load a copy of Dell's 'tweaked' Ubuntu 
from here:
http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Ubuntu_7.10

These Dell ISO's contain many of the Dell specific drivers you will 
need, *but do not contain a copy of LinDVD*! That is only available 
pre-installed.

I am not the biggest Ubuntu fan, and am usually happy with debian (no 
flamefest please, Ubuntu is close enough that I keep trying to do debian 
specific stuff instead of learning the Ubuntu way, the unhappiness is 
due to my own mis-use).

I have been happy with the laptop over the last month. I upgraded to 
XFCE from the Ubuntu standard Gnome and that has made life better for me.

I also ordered the laptop with 1 GB Ram, and upgraded to 4GB on my own. 
This was cheaper than Dell's upgrade price. The Ubuntu installed is 
32bit, so I only get 3.5 GB of the 4.0GB, but it is more than enough.

System 76 and ZAreason also offer very nice Linux laptops at reasonable 
prices. I configured a model at System 76 that came within $20.00 of the 
Dell model, however I googled for "Dell Coupons" and tried and found one 
that knocked $250.00 off my purchase and gave me free shipping. Check 
out LXer's database of pre-installed and NO-os vendors for other options:
http://lxer.com/module/db/index.php?dbn=14

I received my laptop 1 week after placing the order, although Dell 
estimated it would take 2 weeks. There have been times that Dell has 
taken a month or more for some people.

Order from Dell Linux site
Pluses:
DVD Playback
Hardware support
possible coupon savings

Minuses:
wait for delivery
Its a Dell (not a System76 or something more purely Linux-ey)


Go to store and load Linux your self.
pluses:
Immediate delivery
may find better deals on Windows equipment because crapware pays to be 
placed on machine
will get a real satisfying feeling when you delete Windows.

minuses:
research your hardware choices
may have to implement DVD de-cryption work arounds.
Mark Stuart Burge wrote:
> I don't know of a local store where they sell dell computers 
> pre-loaded with linux, however, if you take a live cd along to some 
> stores (fry's don't mind) they will allow you to boot into a live cd 
> to test compatibility.
>
> Perhaps dell by now offer a download of their images  ??  (long shot !)
>
>
>
>>>     
>>
>>   
>
>
> RCRamsdell at gldd.com wrote:
>>  Forwarded from the ChiPy list.  Can anyone provide Carl with pointers?
>>
>> Reply to all so that Carl sees your answer.
>>
>> Robert
>>
>>   
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: chicago-bounces+rcramsdell=gldd.com at python.org 
>>> [mailto:chicago-bounces+rcramsdell=gldd.com at python.org] On 
>>> Behalf Of Carl Karsten
>>> Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 8:29 PM
>>> To: Chicago at python.org
>>> Subject: [Chicago] can I buy a ubuntu dell from a local store?
>>>
>>> I need to get 4 laptops to run Ubuntu.  Dell sells laptops 
>>> with Ubuntu loaded, and I would like to get one of those.  
>>> tomorrow.  I don't have time to wait for them to assemble and 
>>> ship it.  (yeah, like many things, should have done this a 
>>> week ago...)
>>>
>>> So, anyone know a store around here that can sell me one?
>>>
>>>
>>> Carl K
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Chicago mailing list
>>> Chicago at python.org
>>> http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/chicago
>>>
>>>     
>>
>>