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As rumored, Dell has announced its Ubuntu Linux equipped PCs this morning. The particular models match the rumors we [published earlier this week][2] and will [go on sale later today][1]. However those hoping that a free OS would mean a cheaper PC are in for a bit of a surprise.
In fact the pricing for the Ubuntu machines is roughly equal to that of Windows PC, and in the case of the low end desktop model, the Windows machine is actually a bit cheaper.
So what's the deal Dell, is Ubuntu just a way of increasing your profit margin?
To be fair Dell hasn't released the exact configuration specs for the Ubuntu machines yet. However, the base model of the highend desktop, the XPS 410, which ships with a Core 2 Duo processor, Vista Home Premium, 1GB RAM and 19 inch LCD monitor, is listed at the exact same price as the Ubuntu Linux version -- $900.
But Ubuntu is a free OS and Windows costs money. Even taking into account the OEM discounts Dell gets from Microsoft, selling the same machine at the same price smacks of a cheap way to bump your bottom line.
Some have suggested that Dell is covering the cost of supporting a new OS buy not dropping the prices as much as users may have hoped, but that argument falls apart when you consider that the entire GNU/Linux OS is developed and maintained for free.
While it's nice that Dell is offering Linux as an option, I don't expect these machines to fly out the door when the Windows version are nearly the same price and Ubuntu is still a free download.
Perhaps buying the Windows machine, selling your Windows license on EBay and then installing Linux is still the best option.
[1]: http://direct2dell.com/one2one/archive/2007/05/24/15994.aspx "Dell Offers Three Consumer Systems With Ubuntu 7.04"
[2]: http://blog.wired.com/monkeybites/2007/05/rumor_ubuntu_eq.html "Rumor: Ubuntu Equipped Dell PCs Arriving Thursday"
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