[TriLUG] pitching Ubuntu vs Vista

[Jim Ray]

The value proposition for Ubuntu vs. Windows is best illustrated by
extrapolating the cost of the desktop operating systems, desktop
applications and client access licenses for servers. Initial setup for
the open source solution tends to cost more because of the qualified
labor required for setup and training.

However, as the number of desktops increases, the licensing cost
outweighs the cost of initial labor and makes overwhelming business
sense to many people.

Unfortunately, some folks just don't get it and will continue to use
Windows.

Regards,
 
Jim
 
Jim Ray, President
Neuse River Networks
tel: 919-838-1672 cell: 919-606-1772
http://www.NeuseRiverNetworks.com
 
Connecting You to the World since 1997
 
We specialize in managed services, IT outsourcing and installation of
network communications systems for voice, video and data.

 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: trilug-bounces at trilug.org [mailto:trilug-bounces at trilug.org] On
Behalf Of Tom Roche
Sent: Sunday, May 11, 2008 9:39 AM
To: trilug at trilug.org
Subject: [TriLUG] pitching Ubuntu vs Vista


I'd appreciate {fresh eyes, fact checking} regarding a pitch I'm
planning to make to buy a Dell Inspiron 530N with Ubuntu vs Lenovo
ThinkCentre M57 6395 with Vista.

I'm starting a new gig as a grad student @ UNC. My boss is currently
planning to buy

http://cci.unc.edu/index/ccishop/departmental.html
 > Model: Desktop [ThinkCentre] m57eco 6395UN2  > Processor: Intel [Core
2 Duo]  2.66Ghz  > Hard Drive: 160GB  > Optical: CDRW/DVD Combo  >
Memory: 2GB (4 GB max) 1 available [slot] ...
 > Software: UNC Custom Software Load
 > OS: MS Vista
 > [3 Year Warranty]
...
 > Bundle Price w/17" Monitor: W101947 $874.00  > Bundle Price w/19"
Wide Monitor: W101948 894.00  > Price without Monitor: $709.00

but has said that he'd consider other desktops (i.e. non-laptops) with
comparable price/performance. The local Dell rep, Ken Klawonn, pointed
me toward their Inspiron 530N with Ubuntu for base config=$509

http://tinyurl.com/3wtygv

(We may be eligible for additional edu discounts from Dell, but I'll use
these $ for now.) The base config includes (excerpted)

- CPU=Pentium dual E2180 (1MB, 2.00GHz, 800FSB)
- RAM=1GB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz (2GB=+$50, 4GB=+$150)
+ monitor=19", flat panel (no monitor=-$190) HD=250 GB 7200 RPM (320 
+ GB=+$50) optical=16x DVD+/-RW GPU=nVidia GeForce 8300GS 128MB (8600GT 
+ 256MB DDR3=+$90)
- warranty=1Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor, 24x7 Phone (3 yr=+$170)

and the alternate configs that seem most applicable are

{RAM=1 GB, warranty=3 yr, monitor=19", video=128 GB}=$679
{RAM=2 GB, warranty=3 yr, monitor=19", video=128 GB}=$729
{RAM=2 GB, warranty=3 yr, monitor=no, video=128 GB} =$539
{RAM=4 GB, warranty=3 yr, monitor=no, video=256 GB} =$729

given that I don't know as much as I'd like about the usecases for this
box. I suspect it'll be used mostly for lightweight data visualization,
and shelling into RENCI for the heavy lifting.

ISTM the main arguments for the ThinkCentre are

- the high ratio of local windows/linux support. Not much I can do
   about that, except to say we probably won't need ITS support. Is
   Dell support (i.e. beyond the warranty) worth buying?

- the Core 2 Duo E8200 beats the Pentium dual E2180. Faster, more
   cache. Can't touch that, no?

~ the "UNC Custom Software Load" gives you MS Office, Photoshop
   (Elements), SAV, and a buncha *nix emulations. If not preloaded, I
   can put OOo, GIMP, and Clam on myself, and no need for the
   emulations.

The main arguments for the Inspiron are

+ linux is more efficient. We can run what we wanna run, and no more.

+ linux can use 4 GB RAM, whereas Vista can only see 3 GB.

+ the Inspiron has 50% more disk (double if we pay $50 for the 320 GB
   HD) with same spin (7200 rpm).

+ the Inspiron has better graphics, esp the config with the nVidia
   GeForce 8600GT.

Does this sound right? or am I pegging your BS meter?

TIA, Tom Roche <Tom_Roche at pobox.com>

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