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Idea #989: Canonical Ltd. to sell computers with Ubuntu (with native drivers)

Written by FranciscoPadillaGarcia the 29 Feb 08 at 05:50. Category: Marketing. Related project: Nothing/Others. Status: New
Rationale
Canonical Ltd. should start offering their own built systems just like DELL is doing. DELL is making lots of money by selling computers pre-loaded with Ubuntu Linux while Canonical Ltd. could do the same and use the revenues to further support the Ubuntu project. It's a win/win deal.

Mark Shuttleworth could make an investment with motherboard, graphic/audio card, printer, etc. makers (VIA, Intel, ATI, etc) so they build one robust system with open-source native Linux drivers (along with all the bells and whistles of native support) once and for all. Then Canonical Ltd. could market that system that would be flawless since it would have native drivers and it would have been tested.

Not only would this make Ubuntu profitable for Canonical Ltd., but also it would promote Ubuntu as the best end-user deal while encouraging a healthy competitive race with DELL and others. It would push other hardware makers to release drivers for GNU/Linux systems. The Ubuntu promise would remain intact since it states that Ubuntu (the software) will always be free of charge. I hope you read this, Mr. Shuttleworth.

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Solution #1: Auto-generated solution of idea #989
Written by FranciscoPadillaGarcia the 29 Feb 08 at 05:50.
Ubuntu Brainstorm was updated in January 2009. Since the idea #989 was submitted before this update, its rationale and solution are not separated. Please vote accordingly, and if you have the necessary rights, please separate the rationale from the solution. Thanks!

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Comments
terra wrote on the 29 Feb 08 at 06:11
But make them NICE looking! Apple-esque. We have an OS just as good as OS X- give them a run for their money! XD (design contests or something. :) )

brightsmile wrote on the 29 Feb 08 at 12:31
Bad idea. Canonical should be a partner of hardware vendors. -- Canonical should NOT compete with them. This would be serious strategic mistake.

Het Irv wrote on the 29 Feb 08 at 16:09
Open Source Motto: DO ONE THING REALLY GOOD

Stick with Software, hardware will follow...eventually.

Daeld1 wrote on the 23 Dec 09 at 07:15
I think I agree with the general idea. I mean, go to apple.com and you can buy the hardware, software AND accessories to match... It is a one-stop shop. I agree that Canonical need not get involved with competing against its OEM customers, but why not make a more profitable partnership? Why not adverstise those DELL machines in canonical? Why not also sell the MID for MIDUbuntu? Why not sell the netbook for netbook remix? Canonical would then be able to get commission for systems bought on its website...

Like Francisco said, its a win/win!


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