I want a Ubuntu Laptop

by Santosh Puthran | Leave a Comment | Tags: None | on Dec14 2010

A Practical Guide to Ubuntu Linux (Versions 8.10 and 8.04) (2nd Edition)

I have been searching for a laptop with Ubuntu OS and had been enquiring in computer stores like Currys and PC World but some where down the line, I am not getting a positive response on Linux laptops. The stores do not sell any Linux laptops as they are not very popular with the customers.

In contrast to the laptops, linux is adopted on the mobile phones. Android OS is the popular one which forms the OS of HTC mobile phones.

What could be the reason, Linux laptops are not popular ?

Are there Linux laptops readily available: A Sony Viao laptop with a Windows 7 preload with cost me from £450 onwards and Apple MacBook would start from £700 onwards. But as a end user I have no idea that a Linux based laptop exists in this world with a good support.

What is cost of OS: Ubuntu is free for download and you can run it using usb flash drive. A full version of Windows 7 Home Premium starts from £80 and Apple leopard from £40. As a end user, I would prefer to buy a laptop which has pre-installed OS. So Ubuntu, even thought it is free is not appealing.

PC vs Mac: The war between PC and Mac is well known and each ridiculing the other and explaining which is the best OS. Mac focusses more on user friendliness and Windows on costs. Ubuntu can do all the things what Mac and Windows can do but there is no advertising campaign to demonstrate it.

Recommending: You will notice on every popular laptop vendor website

Windows®. Life without Walls™. Toshiba recommends Windows 7
Windows® . Life without Walls™ . Dell recommends Windows 7.
Windows®. Life without Walls™.HP recommends Windows 7.
Windows®. Life without Walls™.Sony recommends Windows 7.
Apple sells only Mac

So when the top laptop vendors recommend Microsoft's Windows 7, how will the consumers believe that there is any other OS in the market. Or a matter of fact, have the consumers have experienced any other OS to decide which one suits them.

Of the above, only Dells sells Ubuntu netbooks. Other laptop vendors do not offer a choice for Linux based OS in their buying preferences nor they are interested to sell them. The reason probably would be an arrangement with Microsoft to sell their OS.

Does Ubuntu require a God Father to promote : The popularity of linux based OS like Android or Chrome is mainly due to the initiatives of Google. For the users to accept a new technology on their desktops, it would require a credible company to show the way for acceptance. I feel the users should be given a choice what OS they would like to have on the laptop with price associated rather than selling a pre-installed OS. This would help the users to decide on whether to buy one OS or multiple OS on their laptop.

How to Install Ubuntu

Further reading on Knowliz – Technology Blog

The popularity of open source applications proves that they are good products in the market. When users are aware of their existence, they have been adopted for the use. And you have developers working round the globe to enhance the open source products.

With directives from European commission, Microsoft offers choice to their European users to install internet browser of their choice, I feel the same for laptops. The laptop vendors should offer a choice to their customers on OS when they buy and associated price for their it. This will be an important milestone towards helping people to decide what they want.

Nixepixel's Ubuntu Lucid Lynx Review 10.04 – with Screen Captures

Check out the latest laptops at Dixons

Finally I downloaded Ubuntu OS and is very pleased by its excellent results. And also it was a hazzle free installation. It is just like installing a new browser on your laptop. Now I have both Windows Vista and Ubuntu on my laptop.

Now my laptop takes 2 mins to boot up and 10 seconds to shut down. Moreover all the applications are fast and free. Windows takes around 5 mins to boot up and same amount of time to shut down. If 90% of people in the world use Windows, how much time they are sitting idle waiting for PC to boot up.

Download Ubuntu for free
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Santosh Puthran

Santosh Puthran is a technology enthusiast, gadget lover, Internet and photography addict, fun loving person who speaks his mind on iWaant. Feel free to follow him on various social networks including Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to iWaant.com by RSS or Email