Microsoft has Copilot Plus PCs loaded with AI, and rumors are that Apple is all in on AI, too, but if you don't want AI in everything you do, there is another option: Linux.
HP sold he DevOne, it had PopOS on it. Dell sells an XPS developer machine that has Ubuntu pre installed. System76, Entroware, and Tuxedo computers have all been selling Linux hardware for a long time. So there are viable commercial options. I wish the DevOne were going to get refreshed, it looks like a nice machine but alas, I don’t think it will.
Linux really needs to be on the floor at BestBuy on base models, just a little cheaper than the Windows models. If that’s the case, I think people will try it.
But if it’s only on one or two premium models and online only, that’s not good enough.
On the one hand, I think you are right, people who know can find a Linux computer if they know where to look. And they should be easier to find. On the other hand, I don’t think many people by laptops at Best Buy any more. Maybe if BestBuy had one people would try it and see, but I feel like best buy is the place you go to buy a TV or a charging chord for your phone.
People buy things they see advertised. Being visible on the floor of BestBuy is advertisement. If it’s just an option on a website, they’re unlikely to try it, but if they see it as a “normal thing” that’s available at retailers, they might consider it.
HP sold he DevOne, it had PopOS on it. Dell sells an XPS developer machine that has Ubuntu pre installed. System76, Entroware, and Tuxedo computers have all been selling Linux hardware for a long time. So there are viable commercial options. I wish the DevOne were going to get refreshed, it looks like a nice machine but alas, I don’t think it will.
Linux really needs to be on the floor at BestBuy on base models, just a little cheaper than the Windows models. If that’s the case, I think people will try it.
But if it’s only on one or two premium models and online only, that’s not good enough.
On the one hand, I think you are right, people who know can find a Linux computer if they know where to look. And they should be easier to find. On the other hand, I don’t think many people by laptops at Best Buy any more. Maybe if BestBuy had one people would try it and see, but I feel like best buy is the place you go to buy a TV or a charging chord for your phone.
People buy things they see advertised. Being visible on the floor of BestBuy is advertisement. If it’s just an option on a website, they’re unlikely to try it, but if they see it as a “normal thing” that’s available at retailers, they might consider it.
At least that’s the assumption I’m going off of.
The lack of advertising is a big one, that’s for sure. And Dell isn’t spending any of their advertisement budget to brag about Linux.
Maybe that’s what canonical should spend it’s money on rather than snaps :-) (half joking…maybe )