[Hudlug] Hardware Vendors Supporting Linux

[Rob Shakir]

In an effort to generate a little HudLUG discussion, and because of experiences I've had searching for a new machine over the last few days, I thought I'd post my thoughts to the list.

I've been looking for a new workstation system, something that's pretty robust and reliable - preferably with a long-term warranty. Now, these specifications don't differ that much from the types of specification that are required for a buisiness desktop machine. I've been looking for something Intel based, with around 512MB of RAM, a smallish hard disk, and a decent monitor. My first thought was to visit Dell, as they seem to be promoting Linux with some of their products. Although they "recommend Windows XP" for their desktop systems I was led to believe that they'd also checked that they're compatible with Linux. This isn't the case! The low to medium range systems that are using the Intel Extreme onboard graphics don't support running anything more than 1024x768 at a stupidly low number of colours - not suitable at all. I'd then run out of ideas for where I could get a reasonable quality system. Having a look through dabs and ebuyer I noticed the number of systems that have hardware that's not particulary acclaimed for its Linux support.

My point is, if Linux is to migrate to even the business desktop, let alone to the non-technical home-user's system, with no underlying support from hardware companies - how can it ever hope to do this? With the typical affordable business desktops from companies such as Dell not supporting Linux, there is even more of a reason not to use Linux on the desktop. 

Are there companies that provide affordable, reliable systems that I'm not aware of? I know of a couple, but their systems are distinctly second rate.

Any thoughts?

Rob