Dell dumps linux? [but introduces n-series]

[gaf at Blu.Org (Jerry Feldman)]

I'm not sure that agree 100% here. 
PCs are essentially built for Windows. All the drivers are generally 
included in Windows, or easily available when building a system. 
Linux and Unix systems require more choices. Drivers may not be available 
for the external NIC cards that the vendor has in  stock. The bottom line 
here is that Dell or any other Wintel PC vendor is going to have difficulty 
with Linux. They want it to go out the door in working order (well we can 
make a few excetions). 
All you need to do is look at McDonalds. Order a Big  Mac or something 
standard, no problem, but try ordering a 1/4 hamburger with onions and 
mayonaise only. That's called a grill item, and it takes them additional 
time to do it. (Burger King and Wendy's are a bit more flexible). 
On 15 Aug 2002 at 18:50, John Chambers wrote:
> One of the problems here is that in the unix half of the market, most
> of  the customers are somewhat knowledgeable and have an idea of what
> they want.  A company that won't permit any customer options  is  not
> likely to do well in this market. They're probably best sticking with
> the MS part of the market, where most of the customers are willing to
> take whatever is offered.

-- 
Jerry Feldman <gaf at blu.org>
Associate Director
Boston Linux and Unix user group
http://www.blu.org PGP key id:C5061EA9
PGP Key fingerprint:053C 73EC 3AC1 5C44 3E14 9245 FB00 3ED5 C506 1EA9