Dell Unveils Linux PCs

The release includes first three models: Insprion E1505n 15-inch notebook (512MB memory, 80GB hard drive, CD/DVD reader that can write CDs, Intel Pentium Dual Core T2080 microprocessor, built-in Wi-Fi support), XPS 410n desktop (Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 processor, 1GB memory, 250GB hard drive, Nvidia Geforce 7300LE video card, 19 inch display, DVD reader and writer), and Dimension E520n middle of the line desktop (Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 processor, 1GB memory, 250GB hard drive, Nvidia Geforce 7300LE video card, 17 inch display).

But the open source OS installed computers are not that cheap as we could think of. Despite of the fact that these PCs are equipped with free software they cost expensive: the laptop starts at 599 U.S. dollars, Dimension E520 starts at 599 dollars, and XPS 410n starts at 849 dollars.

The PCs have hardware and software support from Dell's usual support channels, dedicated websites, Linux forums. Canonical, the sponsor of Ubuntu provides with software updates for thirty-days or one-year time.

This release is expected to enlarge Linux open source software costumer market. Now only 5 percent of the world's computers have installed Linux OS, but this number is growing 20-30 percent annually. The open source software is free, developers can share the code, change it, add some desired futures, the users pay only for maintenance and technical support.

This Linux release Dell made because about 30000 Linux enthusiasts were commenting on Dell's website about their fresh ideas for customers. And this only the beginning of Linux based releases, the company is going to go on with it.

But still Linux OS based PCs have problems with hardware drivers, because not all hardware manufacturers have Linux drivers. This problem especially involves multimedia devices, particularly the PCs don't support MPEG, WMA, WMV, DVD, Quicktime and more formats, but Dell says it's working on hardware improvement, cooperating with hardware manufacturers to get Linux drivers.

By Ruzan Harutyunyan for HULIQ