Is Dell Going to add Craplets to Ubuntu Machines?
November 20, 2007
We heard a nasty rumor that might need some sunlight. Either to cancel or allow for lack of a better phrase.
Our sources (an Ad Agency that represents one of the larger craplet adopters) have stated that Dell is “actively considering” putting desktop shortcuts to Ebay and other firms on new Ubuntu Linux installs from Dell as well as pre-installed “craplets” for Linux. The rumor went as far as one of the traditional craplets advertisers were actively porting Ubuntu versions of the Windows programs. IE: AOL for Ubuntu .. Earthlink… etc etc…
From what we were told, Dell get’s paid for each install of a craplet from a provider. This makes sense overall from an Advertiser standpoint but pretty much pisses off many of the end users. We don’t know how well this will fly, again if true, from Linux users.
We have not had the chance to confirm this, but it’s worth noting that we really would like others to comment here so we have an idea if there is any truth to this.
This is the part that bugs us the most, a direct quote from an Ad Agency that represents one of the larger ‘craplet’ makers.
“Many of Dell Ubuntu users are advanced Linux users.. they don’t fit into our model, however on the lower end machines, those appear to be people trying to save $50, so they opt for Ubuntu rather than Vista.. these people are not technical… and they are our target market.. exactly our target market’.
For what it’s worth, he are said that going after Walmart’s sub-200 dollar computer as well running an Ubuntu variant.
Welcome to the craplet world Linux.
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