Some system vendors do support Linux
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| Author | Content |
|---|---|
| jwbr Nov 25, 2005 9:12 AM EDT |
There are some companies out there that build Intel- and AMD-based systems they certify for Linux. Some of those systems look pretty good, have had great reviews, and are not priced too high. It seems like this is a good opportunity for them to get positive press. |
| jwbr Nov 25, 2005 12:17 PM EDT |
I am adding info on a couple of computer providers. Well, the first is not really a vendor, but it shows there are some out there working to combat Microsoft's practice of luring users in poor countries into lock-in with the technology they donate. I have no personal experience with the other two, but have read some good things about them. Neither is cheap, but quality and cheap are usually mutually exclusive. At least neither sports the dreaded "Xxxxx recommends Microsoft(c) Windows(c) XP Professional" statement, which some big-name Linux hardware providers insist on putting on the web pages of their on-line stores, even on pages advertising Linux computers. I have not found any good Linux hardware providers in Germany yet. With respect to getting stores to sell Linux-compatible computers: Vote with your pocketbook. Vendors will sell it if people buy it. Ubuntu has a hardware certification program in place: http://www.ubuntulinux.org/partners/certification/hardware linuxquestions.org has a Hardware Compatibility List: http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php Distros may maintain a hardware compatibility web site. SuSE used to but I cannot find it any more. Hardware Providers: Company: One Laptop per Child (non-profit organization) with MIT Media Labs URL: http://laptop.media.mit.edu/ Location: USA Notes: Cannot be purchased. A charity program recently making the news with the goal of providing laptops for children in poorer places around the world. See their web-site for more information, including design decisions and info on distribution. The FAQs page is especially interesting. The computer will apparently include a version of RedHat Linux. I think the mission of this organization is laudable and it works to realize much of the vision behind Open Source software. Company: EmperorLinux, Inc. URL: http://www.emperorlinux.com/ Location: Georgia, USA Notes: This company specializes in laptops and offers systems with Linux pre-installed. The Toucan, for example, is really a Lenovo Thinkpad. Company: URL: http://www.monarchcomputer.com/ (for Linux info: http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=... ) Location: Georgia, USA Notes: This company sells computers for both Linux and Windows, but claims to have a high-level of hardware compatibility with Linux. It produces a high-end model "Ultimate Linux Box" for those wanting high-end systems and also has a sort of logo program to highlight computers that work with Linux. Systems come predefined, custom built, or the customer can buy the pieces. I read a review of a computer once in a Linux magazine and the reviewer gave it a very high rating on the quality of the system. |
| tadelste Nov 25, 2005 1:36 PM EDT |
jwbr: Thanks for posting the information. I hope it helps some of our readers. I'm thinking about the millions of people who will buy PCs this winter and will visit retail stores to do so. They will say, "I need a computer and I need to learn how to use it. What do you suggest Mr. Salesperson?" And Mr. Salesperson will be like the lady who sold someone a system while I was watching. She said, "Don't forget to buy a virus program. Never buy a computer without one". Being a little intrusive, I asked: "No matter what kind of computer it is?" She replied, "Right, it doesn't matter what kind." She didn't know about Macs or Linux. I felt sorry for the customer. |
| cyber_rigger Nov 26, 2005 8:36 AM EDT |
I am not impressed with http://www.monarchcomputer.com . It looks to me like another advertise-Linux-and-spam-you-with-Microsoft site. They make you wade through Windows systems to find their Linux systems. Their Linux offerings seem hidden and overpriced. They have not made my list yet. |
| tadelste Nov 26, 2005 10:47 AM EDT |
Did you know that Linspire is having a 50% off sale for the next couple of days? |
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