Why is Dell hiding the Ubuntu Notebooks?

[greggh]

Good luck just stumbling upon Ubuntu as an option. I had to keyword search on "Ubuntu" which returns a recommended link...

Introducing Dell PCs with Ubuntu and FreeDOS

If you just start shopping for a Notebook and click on the Inspiron 1501...

http://www.dell.com/content/products/pr ... l=en&s=dhs

there is no mention of Ubuntu as an option

Hey Dell, why don't make that Ubuntu page unsearchable? That way people would have to direct navigate to the page by word of mouth. Then maybe you can sell even less.

[chuck]

Hey Dell, why don't make that Ubuntu page unsearchable? That way people would have to direct navigate to the page by word of mouth. Then maybe you can sell even less.

I just went to dell.com and was greeted with the Ubuntu logo on the computer screen and "By popular demand. Ubuntu has arrived" in big bold letters.

And typing in Linux to the search brings up the relevant pages as well.

Yeah, it might be tough to find.

[adam]

Just to clarify, Dell has rotating "ads" on the front page. Around 1 out of 6 refreshes brings up the Ubuntu ad that chuck mentioned. Otherwise, there is no mention of Ubuntu on the front page(then again, neither of Vista) and it is hard to find unless you specifically search for it.

[Chess]

I think the permanent URL is http://www.dell.com/open.

[Vogateer]

They've basically stated that they're targeting the linux enthusiasts more than the general public. I don't blame them. Trying to explain codec lincensing and patents to the average Joe has all the appeal of a root canal. I really don't mind, though. I'm a linux enthusiast, and I like the fact that they're targeting me.