[GRLUG] ASUS, Windows and Linux WAS: shopping for linux-compatible hardware

[Erik Southworth]

On Sat, Aug 8, 2009 at 4:10 PM, Michael Mol <mikemol at gmail.com> wrote:

> On Sat, Aug 8, 2009 at 3:49 PM, <eric at erichartwell.net> wrote:
> > its not about asus boards, but their blatant "windows is best" claims
> right on their home page. This is from a company who makes a linux netbook
> then says eepc is better with winders.
> >
> > our advocate tends to show more when companies say those things.
> >
>
> A) The average user doesn't know the difference between familiarity
> and superiority, either on a philosophical or technical level.
>
> B) Just like Wal-Mart before them, ASUS discovered that slashing
> system costs by using a free operating system doesn't fly well when
> people expect that operating system's interface and software set to be
> identical to the XP-running eMachine sitting on their desk, and if
> they can't settle in within a day, it's a waste of time.
>
> C) When you're marketing to someone, short and punchy is key; You're
> not going to get most people to sit down and read a whitepaper and
> make an informed decision.  A one-sentence tagline with a lot of punch
> can actually be read, and might even stick.
>
> Instead of "We put an operating system on it that has software and
> interfaces you're more familiar with and will be easier for your
> instant-gratification-demanding mind to get accustomed to," they say
> "It's better with Windows."
>
> Honestly, I'd sooner blame the people who refuse to learn new things
> or Read The Manual than I'd blame a company that has a bottom line to
> consider.  ASUS has an incredible track record of open firmware and
> following the GPL.  You can't say that for any of the other embedded
> device manufacturers.  Someone in technical authority at ASUS must
> have been pushing for Linux for quite some time.  I hope the eeePC
> consumer backlash didn't get them bumped.
>

For more info on this topic see:
http://www.linuxpromagazine.com/Issues/2009/105/LITTLE-AND-BIG

>
>
> --
> :wq
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