Stan Beer
Thursday, 21 June 2007 09:01
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.