Dell Ubuntu PCs not available for business users?

Stan Beer
Thursday, 21 June 2007 10:01

Opinion and Analysis

A rather surprising story that appeared on the official Ubuntu Forum concerns a business user in the US who tried to buy a new Dell computer with Ubuntu Linux pre-installed. The user was allegedly told that the new range of Ubuntu Linux Dell computers are only available for consumers and not businesses.

The user recounts the story below:

"I had a surreal experience with Dell today. My boss asked me to order a new computer for our small, non-profit business. Wanting to support Dell in their decision to sell computers with Ubuntu installed, I decided to order one. First, I talked to a small business representative, who informed me that I could not order one of the Ubuntu-based computers through the small business department. I had to go through the "home and home office" department. I called the Home office department. I asked the representative if I could buy one of the ubuntu computers for my company. She said (and I quote), "these Dell computers are designed for personal use only, as long as you use it for personal use, you can purchase one." So I lied and said I would.... Next, I tried to buy it on our business credit card. They would have none of that. She told me that I had to buy it through a personal card. Now, as a non-profit, our business does not pay sales tax (10% in Tennessee). Had I bought it with my own card, I would have had to pay tax (~$90), which my company would not have reimbursed me for. So.....no Dell today."

We are not taking the story as gospel although we can't imagine why anyone would bother to invent such a tale. However, we have put in a request to Dell to get some answers.