They obviously don’t do any research related to the wishes of their customers.
HP’s custom Linux interface is built on Ubuntu 8.04 and essentially replaces the Gnome desktop with a simplified dashboard, which offers a web search box powered by Microsoft’s Live Search
How many of those users want to use Microsofts live search instead of google? I think it’s even less then the amount of possible linux customers…
They just want everyone to blend in to the Microsoft mentality -
It’s a kind of homogenization of the PC using society. Trying to squeeze us in a particular form - so in the end we all look the same.
No Thanks- Cyber cloning is not for me. Genetically identical cyber morons means if a virus strikes - they all die.
> ‘Computer Shopper: News: HP decides UK doesn’t want Linux’
> (http://tinyurl.com/au6u8w)
>
Ironic since HP and Novell have a ‘partnership’ providing SLED.
IMHO, HP is just paying lip service to Linux while they await the arrival of
Windows 7.
I think this is more a comment on the mentality of the vast majority of computer users in the UK. HP has long been a good friend of Linux but, if it is to continue to plough money into Linux development, it needs to make money and if it cannot make money by selling Linux computers to personal customers in the UK, so be it.
As far as I am aware, there is no problem getting Linux installed if you are an enterprise customer.
This makes sense and I agree. Certainly for the linux users of the UK it’s unfortunate but it’s tough to think of HP as anti-Linux. They use their Ubuntu remix on netbooks in other nations, the brilliant 2133 & 2140 netbooks are offered with SLED 10, and (most importantly) HP offers probably the best support for Linux of the major printer manufacturers. If anyone asks me what brand to buy for their home all-in-one I always say HP without hesitation.
And as john_hudson said enterprise customers will have no issue getting Linux. The only thing missing from HP seems to be Linux on full computers for consumers (like Dell+Ubuntu).
- caf4926 wrote, On 02/11/2009 04:56 PM:
> ‘Computer Shopper: News: HP decides UK doesn’t want Linux’
> (http://tinyurl.com/au6u8w)
It’s not only the UK, it is EMEA, but I don’t see Linux as the reason. First of all it’s just some hardware the don’t sell us here. Pretty normal: A lot of companies doesn’t offer every product here.
Did you ever try to buy a Microsoft Zune in Germany? 
Uwe
> Did you ever try to buy a Microsoft Zune in Germany?
I’m sure you are heart broken.
I mean that the missing thing is that it is nearly impossible to buy a system without software…just hardware! Everytime if i buy a notebook i buy some software with it…and its always the same…no needing, just paying!!>:(
- GofBorg wrote, On 02/12/2009 08:34 PM:
> I’m sure you are heart broken.
I don’t even have a dedicated MP3 player. I use my (Windows Mobile) cellphone to play MP3s in rare cases: I normally can’t stand having my ears plugged, so if you see me with earphones, I’m either on a plane or in a mood where you don’t want to talk to me
Uwe
Very good point. I agree, it would be great to be able to buy a laptop without any OS. Some major vendors offer desktops with just FreeDOS. Of course if you can’t build your own, getting a desktop without software from a local shop is easy enough.
But the laptop situation is terrible. There are basically a few ODMs and everyone pulls from them. As an end consumer it can be harder to get your hands on a OS-free laptop than one loaded with Windows, Mac OSX or even Linux…and even if you do, there are often no cost savings to be gained (sometimes it can cost even more since you don’t have economies of scale working in your favour).
I’m surprised that more major suppliers don’t offer OS-free systems. Those who want to install a Linux/BSD distro can do so without having to wipe the machine and the lack of an OS means there isn’t a question of having to offer software support. I’d buy an OS-free laptop with a parts-only warranty and discount (say 5-10%). I understand that Windows machines present the possibility of sponsor-ware. But so far Linux machines seem to be free from such tactics and (to use Dell as an example) still cost about $50 less than the equivalent Windows system, so there are more ways to make a buck selling PCs than sponsor-ware.
There are a few options, try searching for ‘compal’ or ‘BTO’ (build to order). There’s quite a few resellers for those.
(Quite a few also force an OS upon you 
)
I got my Compal HL-90 without an OS for a price that even after half a year of use I’ve yet seen to be beaten. (openSUSE 11.1 is running great on it, as is the rarely booted Vista 64 bits that I got from my MSDN account).
I got my laptop from this Dutch site. There’s more reliable companies as well though, like xxodd (again Dutch)
In the UK an example:
PCSPECIALIST.CO.UK - Custom PCs, Custom Computers, Custom PC, Custom Built Computers, Gaming PC
For example Cal computer,CPS Computer and there few more in Vancouver Canada that I .lol!