Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Dell's UK pricing strategy loaded against Ubuntu

Comments

  • #2
    karlr42
    Closed Accounts Posts: 580 ✭✭✭karlr42


    Definitely a rip-off, considering Ubuntu is a free download. And why is their a worse webcam?


  • #3
    Orion
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,807 ✭✭✭✭Orion


    So what you do is buy the XP one, wipe it when you get it, install Ubuntu and then claim back the Windows charge from Dell. That'll probably work out cheaper even than the XP one depending on the version of Windows.


  • #4
    An Fear Aniar
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,377 ✭✭✭An Fear Aniar


    In the US, you can "Build yours with Ubuntu " for cheaper...

    LINKY


    .


  • #5
    Garth
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭Garth


    Macros42 wrote: »
    So what you do is buy the XP one, wipe it when you get it, install Ubuntu and then claim back the Windows charge from Dell. That'll probably work out cheaper even than the XP one depending on the version of Windows.

    Was thinking of that myself! They're such jerks! We're getting one of the mini inspirons for the shop and were definitely going to get the Ubuntu version but the Windows one is far better value. It's just wrong. Is Windows paying them to undermine the success of Linux based netbooks?


  • #6
    Orion
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,807 ✭✭✭✭Orion


    It's more likely a supply and demand thing. Less demand for Linux so higher price. But considering that the majority of Linux users are tech savvy I'm surprised they thought this wouldn't be spotted. And it's still ludicrous that they are charging more for the Linux one (well cheaper but much lower spec so more in real terms). Linux is free, windows costs them a license. Get the Windows one and claim back your Windows tax. I got about €50 back when I claimed back the license charge on my laptop.


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    karlr42
    Closed Accounts Posts: 580 ✭✭✭karlr42


    I didn't you know you could claim back that charge. What's the limit on it, warranty period?
    This is just a really really bad facepalm by Dell.


  • #8
    Orion
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,807 ✭✭✭✭Orion


    The limit is that you don't use Windows and wipe the machine as soon as you receive it. See this link for my email to Dell.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=53464078&postcount=7


  • #9
    karlr42
    Closed Accounts Posts: 580 ✭✭✭karlr42


    Thanks for that, next time I buy a PC that's what I'll do.


  • #10
    Khannie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37,485 ✭✭✭✭Khannie


    Macros42 wrote: »
    Linux is free, windows costs them a license

    Not really tbh. They pay a one off fee for as many licenses as they want. They've already paid that license fee.


  • #11
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,567 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    you'll also find that there are more "free" extras with the windows pc - double ram / free delivery / free printer or whichever turn it is this month

    so windows refund is usually the way to go


  • Advertisement
  • #12
    Steveire
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,421 ✭✭✭Steveire


    Capt'n Midnight wrote: »
    so windows refund is usually the way to go

    That depends on whether you want short term or long term gain.

    If companies don't sell enough of the linux powered computers, it will be seen as a lack of demand and the product will be withdrawn.

    The quality of your linux experience will depend largely on how well your hardware is supported, and that's something that will only improve if hardware vendors get on board and support it.

    So, really, buying linux pre-installed is the way to go if you want better luck with your hardware in the future.

    Here's a recent blog post that covers it better than I have: http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntucat/dell-inspiron-mini-pricing-scandal/


  • #13
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,567 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    simple after getting the refund you tell them the reason they charged too much for ubuntu

    then again many techies / organisations wipe the preinstalled OS and start again as an alternative to decrapification

    it would be interesting if they offered a system with no OS , like they do for servers - I think the main choice here is not which OS to install but the freedom to not pay for windows.

    unfortunatly it's like ryanair the cost of the "service" of intalling the OS and delivery charges take a large proportion of the cost of entry level machine :(


Advertisement