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35a32c5
(Get the code!)
@Randall & @Mark
> The certified hardware section of the site mentions company
> names like HP, Dell, Toshiba, etc. while missing out companies
> like System76 that actually sell Ubuntu computers.
> http://
> After reviewing the link. It does not match what system76 is
> currently offering....
Thanks for starting this topic. System76 has certified products in the past and we consider the program a valuable asset for Ubuntu and the community. For System76, Ubuntu Certification did not translate into greater consumer or business demand. We've been building Ubuntu computers for a long time and we consider our customers trust as an affirmation of our reputation for quality Ubuntu pre-installed products.
Large OEM's are a different experience altogether. Typically, a customer can't determine if Ubuntu is supported through a large OEM's website and it's not clear if the OEM will support the customer should an issue arise. For these OEM's, certification carries greater value. Customers have the confidence that Ubuntu has been tested and works on the hardware. That should never be a question when browsing System76's website.
All that said, Ubuntu's certification page makes System76 appear as a second tier, out of date, OEM when we work hard to position ourselves as the Vanguard of Ubuntu computers. In fact, we consider it our responsibility to reflect the very best of Ubuntu and Open Source Software through our products. Due to our six to twelve month product refresh cycle, certification isn't feasible; however, the new Ubuntu ready program may fit perfectly. We'll investigate.
Now a word on bricks and mortar :-). Reading through this bug I can't help but recognize a desire to walk into Best Buy and purchase an Ubuntu pre-loaded pc - I'm certain predicated by the bug's description. This is a great way to describe Microsoft's monopoly but I don't think it's a direct line to squashing the bug - rather it's the logical end point of squashing the bug. System76 requires the Internet in many of the same ways that Ubuntu requires the Internet. Without it our market is too small. I would also venture to say that most computers are sold online. Ubuntu PC's at Best Buy or Walmart aren't the ticket. The ticket is creating the most innovative and creative software the world has known and marketing the hell out of it in a creative, audience capturing way... this is enormously over simplified - there's luck too :-).