Dell Now Offering Ubuntu on Alienware X51 Machines

[exfileme]

Dell's Alienware X51 gaming rig now tastes like Ubuntu.

Dell Now Offering Ubuntu on Alienware X51 Machines : Read more

 

[lradunovic77]

Cool, we will need it considering where is Windows heading to.

 

[onichikun]

"The operating system loads quickly and can handle multiple programs at the same time," said Dell's Mark Obee in a blog. "The Workspace Switcher is an example of multitasking done well. It gives you the option to split the screen into multiple work areas. It helps keep things in order and is easy to switch between (see image below). The OS also comes with a software center to download free open source apps, which is a great feature, as you will not be able to install your Windows-based software on the OS."

Wow, I have never seen the free, open-source features of a Linux-based distro marketed so well. I could imagine an ignorant buyer being "wow this sounds impressive, good job Dell!"

 

[kawininjazx]

With that upgrade price you are paying $100 more for the i7 than it's retail price.

 

[whiteodian]

The Ubuntu version is actually a bit cheaper too. The way big box computer makers charge insane prices for RAM and SSD upgrades, this surprises me.

 

[slomo4sho]

Well, since Windows 7 is no longer an option...

 

[SvRommelvS]

Because when buying an overpriced, heavy and temperamental gaming laptop, you want to make sure you install Linux instead of the OS that runs games.

 

[SvRommelvS]

Because when buying an overpriced, heavy and temperamental gaming laptop, you want to make sure you install Linux instead of the OS that runs games.

 

[fleeb]

Well, since Windows 7 is no longer an option...

I just checked Alienware's website and that they are offering Windows 7 for their gaming rigs. That means it is still an option.

 

[dalethepcman]

Too bad they charge just as much for this as the Windows variant. Now if Dell is willing to give support for Ubuntu that might be worth it, but I somehow doubt their support will go beyond "ship it to our Depot and we will re image the hard drive for you."

 

[g-unit1111]

What would be better is if they started offering double boot Windows 7 / Ubuntu configurations so that way us gamers could still use our existing content and have a transition period for when Steam and other cloud-based services start using Ubuntu. As long as we don't have to put up with Windows 8 I'm for it!

 

[DarkSable]

I'm sorry, but nobody who even is aware of how to use Ubuntu is going to buy an alienware with it preinstalled. It just doesn't work that way.

 

[dalethepcman]

Thumb my post down all you want, the windows PC should cost more as Dell has to buy Windows, where Ubuntu is free. This should make the Linux version cheaper for the end user, but instead Dell is actually marking up the Linux system by $100. See the links below if you don't believe me.

Windows 2TB $1049 after $200 discount.
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=DPDOXP4u&model_id=alienware-x51&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

Ubuntu 1TB $1049 after $100 discount.
http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?oc=dpcwxy3&model_id=alienware-x51&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

 

[TheinsanegamerN]

Because when buying an overpriced, heavy and temperamental gaming laptop, you want to make sure you install Linux instead of the OS that runs games.

uhhh...you do realize the x51 is a desktop that has desktop hardware in it, right? having owned an x51, they are awesome lan rigs. also, i dont think $600 is a very bad price.....there is no way to make a rig this powerful by yourself that will fit in this footprint.

 

[cobra5000]

This is a step in the right direction. Steam and Ubuntu are breaking the chains that kept gamers shackled to Windows. Bravo!