But, when it came to the desktop, HP always got cold feet.
Oh, you could order Linux on a desktop, like the HP/Compaq nc6120 business notebook. And, if you wanted computers by the semi-trailer load, HP would install whatever you wanted on them. But, if you wanted ‘ready-to-wear’ desktop Linux you were out of luck.
Recently, however, the pro-Linux desktop forces started winning. First, HP released the HP 2133 Mini-Note with SLED. Now, starting on December 15th, you’ll be able a full desktop system preloaded with SLED and ready to go starting at $519.
I’ve to say this is a problem with all the OEMs and their great ‘We offer linux’ actions. I tried to find a linux based laptop meeting my requirements and I looked at the sites of HP/IBM/Dell and maybe even a few others… and it was really hard to find any.
Not to mention I didn’t find a single one actually matching my requirements and in the end went for a compal laptop, the hl90 (no regrets doing this… awesome piece of hardware).
By the way, the localised sites ( like Dell.nl instead of Dell.com ) are often lightyears behind in updates and often offer FAAAAAAR less options. No ideas if the local ones would offer the same options if you asked them for a .com system over the phone though.