Just don’t get too excited, because this is old news [circa 2004]. And something that is currently being rehashed as new on Digg, Slashdot, and Linux sites…
I’m sure you have seen it too: the news along the lines of “[insert random OEM here] releasing incredible Linux offers”, quickly followed by naive comments proclaiming the end of Microsoft.
The fact is, OEMs and companies like Wal-Mart have been attempting to sell Linux based PCs and Laptops/Notebooks for years. Take a look:
Sept. 14, 1999 Is the IBM Thinkpad now Linux-friendly?
Spring 2000 Dell Delivers Linux! [Archive.org]
June 17, 2002 Wal-Mart trims prices of Linux-based PCs
May 12, 2003 HP “people’s notebook” runs Linux
July 22, 2004 Toshiba Windows media laptop plays with embedded Linux
Unfortunately, most of these attempts have resulted in complete failure or extremely small volume [Wal-Mart couldn't even sell 1000 of those Laptops]. And every few years, the waters are tested again, with the same exact outcome.
Lets face the truth: Linux does not work for the average consumer, it never has, as “choice” is not something that consumers are looking for. Familiarity, function, and eye candy are the determining factors here.
As “Linux” is not synonymous with “Wal-Mart”; it neither is with “Desktop.”
See more for yourself at the Google News Archives and here.
« It’s Not a Bug, It’s a Feature… No, It Really Is. Microsoft vs. Linux
Microsoft Thanks Ubuntu For Increasing XP and Vista Sales »
7 Responses to “Breaking News: Wal-Mart to Sell Linux Laptops at Below $400, and PCs For Less Than $300”
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1 Taran Rampersad
July 1, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Yeah, I have mixed feelings about it. I love that an option rich system is available in a low cost system, but I have serious issues with Walmart’s business practices. They may have changed, but they haven’t run the complete gauntlet for me yet.
2 admin
July 1, 2007 at 8:24 pm
The “change” factor of Capitalism in not of a positive, progressive nature.
From a company perspective: working with WalMart is like making a deal with the devil. You’ll get what you want initially, but eventually it [WalMart] will take your soul.
From a consumer perspective: when you shop at WalMart your shopping yourself out of a job.
From a community perspective: when you let WalMart in, you bankrupt the local shops.
You can’t win.
Here is a good article about the business side…http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/77/walmart.html
Back to the topic…
I just wanted to clarify that WalMart is not selling Linux PCs/laptops right now [as far as I'm aware]. They where in the past… The title was meant to “show old news as new.” Just like what’s being going on with Dell, HP, Epson, etc… They have been selling Linux systems for ages, lets not pretend this is something new, and that the tides are turning. If you do, you will set yourself and the Linux community up for a big disappointment.
I’m sure you have seen it too: the news along the lines of “[insert random OEM here] releasing incredible Linux offers”, quickly followed by naive comments proclaiming the end of Microsoft.
The fact is, OEMs and companies like Wal-Mart have been attempting to sell Linux based PCs and Laptops/Notebooks for years. Take a look:
Sept. 14, 1999 Is the IBM Thinkpad now Linux-friendly?
Spring 2000 Dell Delivers Linux! [Archive.org]
June 17, 2002 Wal-Mart trims prices of Linux-based PCs
May 12, 2003 HP “people’s notebook” runs Linux
July 22, 2004 Toshiba Windows media laptop plays with embedded Linux
Unfortunately, most of these attempts have resulted in complete failure or extremely small volume [Wal-Mart couldn't even sell 1000 of those Laptops]. And every few years, the waters are tested again, with the same exact outcome.
Lets face the truth: Linux does not work for the average consumer, it never has, as “choice” is not something that consumers are looking for. Familiarity, function, and eye candy are the determining factors here.
As “Linux” is not synonymous with “Wal-Mart”; it neither is with “Desktop.”
See more for yourself at the Google News Archives and here.
« It’s Not a Bug, It’s a Feature… No, It Really Is. Microsoft vs. Linux
Microsoft Thanks Ubuntu For Increasing XP and Vista Sales »
7 Responses to “Breaking News: Wal-Mart to Sell Linux Laptops at Below $400, and PCs For Less Than $300”
Feed for this Entry Trackback Address
1 Taran Rampersad
July 1, 2007 at 8:09 pm
Yeah, I have mixed feelings about it. I love that an option rich system is available in a low cost system, but I have serious issues with Walmart’s business practices. They may have changed, but they haven’t run the complete gauntlet for me yet.
2 admin
July 1, 2007 at 8:24 pm
The “change” factor of Capitalism in not of a positive, progressive nature.
From a company perspective: working with WalMart is like making a deal with the devil. You’ll get what you want initially, but eventually it [WalMart] will take your soul.
From a consumer perspective: when you shop at WalMart your shopping yourself out of a job.
From a community perspective: when you let WalMart in, you bankrupt the local shops.
You can’t win.
Here is a good article about the business side…http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/77/walmart.html
Back to the topic…
I just wanted to clarify that WalMart is not selling Linux PCs/laptops right now [as far as I'm aware]. They where in the past… The title was meant to “show old news as new.” Just like what’s being going on with Dell, HP, Epson, etc… They have been selling Linux systems for ages, lets not pretend this is something new, and that the tides are turning. If you do, you will set yourself and the Linux community up for a big disappointment.
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