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1. Comment - Dell changes its Windows vs. Linux netbook strategy, plans new subsidized model

   (May 21, 2009 - 11:07 AM)

   In response to another topic raised by readers of this story, the word from Dell is basically that Ubuntu 8.04 was chosen so as to provide a very reliable Linux platform for non-technical mainstream users. A fuller explanation from Dell is included in the article "Dell: Most Linux Users Don't Really Need the Latest Version," published in Betanews on May 20, 2009. (http://www.betanews.com/...test-version/1242843704)

2. Comment - Dell changes its Windows vs. Linux netbook strategy, plans new subsidized model

   (May 20, 2009 - 11:02 AM)

   In an e-mail to Betanews last night, Dell pointed to one of its US Web sites -- at http://www.dell.com/ubuntu -- as listing Dell systems available with a choice of Ubuntu or Windows. In checking that site this morning, I found the Mini 9n to be the only netbook listed yet. Ray told me last week, though, that the Mini 10 had just added availability for Ubuntu 8.04 in the US.
   
   For areas outside the US, I've found that you need to visit Dell's country-specific sites. I discovered that some of these sites -- for the UK
   (http://www1.euro.dell.co...mp;s=bsd&cs=ukbsdt1) and Australia, for example -- have also been marketing another netbook, the Atom-based Latitude 2100, with a choice of Ubuntu 8.10, Vista, or an XP downgrade. The "smart rubberized 10.1-inch netbook" is a little heftier than the Mini 10 -- at 2.91 as opposed to 2.86 lbs. -- and also a bit steeper in price.
   
   But as mentioned in a comment below, Dell told Betanews last night that it's also launching the Mini 10v in the UK with a choice of Ubuntu or Windows XP, and the company plans to add Ubuntu availability for the Mini 10 in the UK. More into to come.

3. Comment - Dell changes its Windows vs. Linux netbook strategy, plans new subsidized model

   (May 20, 2009 - 9:49 AM)

   Whether for Windows or Ubuntu, the availability of netbooks and other PC hardware still varies by country. "For the UK question specifically, we launch Ubuntu and Windows simultaneously on the Mini 10v, and plan to launch it on the Mini 10 in the near future," according to an e-mail from Dell, received by Betanews last night. More on Dell's netbook plans and strategy to follow.

4. Comment - Dell changes its Windows vs. Linux netbook strategy, plans new subsidized model

   (May 18, 2009 - 11:50 AM)

   I didn't ask Ray why Dell is going with 8.04. It's a very good question, though. I'll check into it.

5. Comment - Dell changes its Windows vs. Linux netbook strategy, plans new subsidized model

   (May 18, 2009 - 11:44 AM)

   That's right! Ray did say that Dell will release both Windows and Ubuntu versions of future netbooks simultaneously. I'll try to find out whether this policy will apply to all countries.