https://www.channelfutures.com/wp-content/themes/channelfutures_child/assets/images/logo/footer-new-logo.png
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Back
    • Analytics
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cloud
    • Data Centers
    • Desktop
    • IoT
    • Mobility
    • Networking
    • Open Source
    • RMM/PSA
    • Security
    • Virtualization
    • Voice/Connectivity
  • Strategy
    • Back
    • Best Practices
    • Business Models
    • Channel 101
    • Channel Programs
    • Channel Research
    • Digital Transformation
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Leadership
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Specialty Practices
  • MSSP Insider
    • Back
    • Business of Security
    • Cloud and Edge
    • Endpoint
    • Network
    • People and Careers
    • Training and Policies
  • MSP 501
    • Back
    • 2020 MSP 501 Rankings
    • 2020 Hot 101 Rankings
    • 2020 MSP 501 Report
  • Intelligence
    • Back
    • Our Sponsors
    • From the Industry
    • Content Resources
    • COVID-19 Partner Help
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Reports
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • EMEA
  • Awards
    • Back
    • Excellence in Digital Services
    • 2020 MSP 501
    • Top Gun 51
  • Events
    • Back
    • CP Conference & Expo
    • Channel Partners Evolution
    • Channel Evolution Europe
    • Channel Partners Event Coverage
    • Webinars
  • Channel Mentor
    • Back
    • Channel Market Intelligence
    • Channel Educational Series
Channel Futures
  • NEWSLETTER
  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Back
    • Analytics
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Cloud
    • Data Centers
    • Desktop
    • IoT
    • Mobility
    • Networking
    • Open Source
    • RMM/PSA
    • Security
    • Virtualization
    • Voice/Connectivity
  • Strategy
    • Back
    • Best Practices
    • Business Models
    • Channel 101
    • Channel Programs
    • Channel Research
    • Digital Transformation
    • Diversity & Inclusion
    • Leadership
    • Mergers and Acquisitions
    • Sales & Marketing
    • Specialty Practices
  • MSSP Insider
    • Back
    • Business of Security
    • Cloud and Edge
    • Endpoint
    • Network
    • People and Careers
    • Training and Policies
  • MSP 501
    • Back
    • 2020 MSP 501 Rankings
    • 2020 Hot 101 Rankings
    • 2020 MSP 501 Report
  • Intelligence
    • Back
    • Our Sponsors
    • From the Industry
    • Content Resources
    • COVID-19 Partner Help
    • Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Reports
    • Videos
    • Webinars
    • White Papers
  • EMEA
  • Awards
    • Back
    • Excellence in Digital Services
    • 2020 MSP 501
    • Top Gun 51
  • Events
    • Back
    • CP Conference & Expo
    • Channel Partners Evolution
    • Channel Evolution Europe
    • Channel Partners Event Coverage
    • Webinars
  • Channel Mentor
    • Back
    • Channel Market Intelligence
    • Channel Educational Series
    • Newsletter
  • REGISTER
  • MSPs
  • VARs / SIs
  • Digital Service Providers
  • Cloud Service Providers
  • CHANNEL PARTNERS ONLINE
 Channel Futures

Open Source


Lenovo Launching Linux Netbooks

  • Written by The VAR Guy 1
  • September 11, 2008

In an email to The VAR Guy, Lenovo Senior VP J. Scott Di Valerio describes the PC giant’s evolving Linux strategy, including plans for so-called NetBooks that will launch in October. Here’s a look at what Di Valerio had to say.

Lenovo has faced some criticism from Linux folks in recent days, amid reports that the company was abandoning desktop Linux preloads. In an email to The VAR Guy, Di Valerio clarified Lenovo’s strategy:

Our commitment to Linux has not changed. What’s changed is that customers will no longer be able to order Lenovo ThinkPads and ThinkCentres with pre-installed Linux via the lenovo.com website. We are still certifying Linux pre-loads on ThinkPads and ThinkCentres, but most of those customers typically order either through their Lenovo Sales team or Lenovo Business Partner.

Now, for the news hook. Di Valerio also wrote:

In addition, we will be delivering new Linux offerings on our new Lenovo servers, and Ideapad Netbook education models, scheduled for release in September and October respectively.

The VAR Guy last month was the first blogger to tell readers about the Lenovo servers. And he’s also hinted that Netbooks from Lenovo were on the way. Generally speaking, Netbooks are low-cost sub-notebooks that cost roughly $275 to $400. Dell unveiled its Mini 9 Netbook earlier this month.

Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, predicted that Netbooks running Ubuntu would be available in all major U.S. computer retail stores in late 2008 or 2009.

The VAR Guy is trying to determine which version(s) of Linux Lenovo will offer on its Netbooks.

Tags: Cloud Service Providers Digital Service Providers MSPs VARs/SIs Mobility Open Source

Related


  • ThinkPad X1 Titanium Yoga
    Lenovo to Ship Its Thinnest ThinkPad Yet with X1 Titanium Yoga
    Lenovo's expanded commercial line includes revamped ThinkBooks and AR glasses.
  • Samsung Galaxy S21
    Samsung Boosts Smartphone Security with New Galaxy S21 Line
    In addition, John Curtis will replace Mike Coleman as Samsung’s North America channel chief.
  • Cloud
    How Secure is Your Cloud Data?
    The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused a massive shift to remote work. According to one estimate, the number of days spent telecommuting has risen 49% since the pandemic. While the pandemic may have triggered the shift, there’s no sign things will return to normal once the crisis fades. Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses […]
  • Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ for Business
    Microsoft Launches Surface Pro 7+ for Business, Sold Only via Channel
    The newest version of the Surface Pro is available with LTE Advanced option.

15 comments

  1. Avatar TyMiles September 11, 2008 @ 8:15 pm
    Reply

    Ubuntu should resell Lenovo Think Pads with Ubuntu preinstalled with support on the cheap.

  2. Avatar The VAR Guy September 11, 2008 @ 8:33 pm
    Reply

    TyMiles: Hmmm. Interesting idea. But The VAR Guy would prefer for Canonical (Ubuntu) to remain hardware neutral. Canonically reselling Lenovo hardware would certainly alienate a few Ubuntu hardware partners.

  3. Avatar DOUGman September 11, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
    Reply

    I was planning on buying one of those, hmmmmm… Oh well, I will get some more from Ebay and resell.

    D.

  4. Avatar ig September 12, 2008 @ 2:59 am
    Reply

    What’s the CPU on that thing? If the netbook vendors are serious about truly carving out a new market sector, they should go with a decidedly non-x86 chip. This would ensure that Linux netbooks don’t end up becoming underpowered Windows netbooks after Microsoft starts bullying the vendors around.

  5. Avatar Joe Panettieri September 12, 2008 @ 3:04 am
    Reply

    ig: They are typically Intel Atom processors.

  6. Avatar Dom September 12, 2008 @ 3:34 am
    Reply

    They should have used VIA processors.

  7. Avatar Seinfeld September 12, 2008 @ 6:37 am
    Reply

    Now Seinfeld has gone over to the dark side will you be dumping this bizarre third person style of writing?

  8. Avatar AJ September 12, 2008 @ 8:08 am
    Reply

    “We are still certifying Linux pre-loads on ThinkPads and ThinkCentres, but most of those customers typically order either through their Lenovo Sales team or Lenovo Business Partner.”

    Lenovo Sales team or Lenovo Business Partner. It doesn’t sound like any Joe or Jodi Blow can contact one of these does it? Effectively locking the people on the street out.

    I think that the big question is actually this. They don’t want to sell preloads to the masses, OK. But will they sell them free from the Windows tax?? I think that will be a great indicator of whether the change was due to an internal decision or external pressure.

  9. Avatar The VAR Guy September 12, 2008 @ 1:58 pm
    Reply

    @Seinfeld: The VAR Guy is ranked within the top 1 percent of all blogs on the web. He thinks he’ll stick with the third person writing style.

  10. Avatar James September 12, 2008 @ 5:21 pm
    Reply

    Bummer, looks like my Suse loaded T61 will be the last Thinkpad I’ll ever buy.

  11. Avatar FlyingDutchman September 12, 2008 @ 9:04 pm
    Reply

    Lenovo was one of the few places where a Linux laptop was actually cheaper than a Windows one. Avoiding paying the M$ tax was a deciding factor when I bought my thinkpad. Looks like it might be the last one for me as well..

  12. Avatar vole2 September 12, 2008 @ 9:46 pm
    Reply

    Does Canonical license the codecs from M$? Already know if it ships with Suse or Xandros you’re going to pay the M$ tax. That’s why the codec question.

  13. Avatar Eruaran September 13, 2008 @ 3:25 am
    Reply

    If experience is anything to go by, “Netbook education models” means a netbook with Windows XP subsidized with taxpayers money, while there will be no subsidy for the GNU/Linux model.

    This government subsidizing of a single monopoly vendor is exactly what has happened here in Australia. The result ? The lesser specced GNU/Linux netbook (512mb RAM, 8GB SSD) is more expensive than the higher specced Windows XP version (1gb RAM, 120GB HDD) through education channels.

    With all I’ve seen in this industry I have become cynical enough not to expect any better from Lenovo.

  14. Avatar dbmuse September 13, 2008 @ 3:27 am
    Reply

    All these computer manufacturers are doing it wrong. One needs to make a linux laptop that flat out rocks. Top of the line graphics, graphics, drives, ram, etc. really there needs to be a better than MAC total Linux laptop. That will be the totter finally tipping to the right side.

  15. Avatar Eruaran September 13, 2008 @ 3:30 am
    Reply

    Clarification: The example I was using was the Acer Aspire One. Here in Victoria, Australia the Higher specced system with a better warranty is cheaper than the lesser specced system with a free operating system.

    So, instead of just those buying notebooks in general being forced to pay the Microsoft tax. All Victorian tax payers are paying the Microsoft tax so the education department can give the Windows XP models to staff, students or whoever is eligible, on the cheap.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

-or-

Log in with your Channel Futures account

Alternatively, post a comment by completing the form below:

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Content

  • Don't Wait for Fall's 'Homecoming' Channel Event — CP Virtual 2021 Is Coming Soon
  • Dell Optimizes New Commercial PCs for Conferencing
  • 11 iPhones, iPads and More that Sparked the Apple Ecosystem in 2020
  • The COVID-19 Pandemic Changed the World — What’s Next for Cloud?

Galleries

View all

New, Changing Partner Programs: AWS, Tech Data, Avaya, Verizon

January 11, 2021

Industry Perspectives

View all

Help Your Customers Mitigate Malware: Viruses, Worms, and Trojans…Oh My!

January 15, 2021

SMBs’ Cybersecurity Risk Awareness Is Rising

January 13, 2021

Your Cloud Data Is Protected, But Is It Portable?

January 12, 2021

Webinars

View all

Blueprint for a Scalable MSSP Practice in 2021

January 21, 2021

Who’s Behind the Mask? Hacker Personas Explained

January 26, 2021

How Managed Hosting Providers Thrive with the Alternative Cloud

February 24, 2021

White Papers

View all

Why Subscription Business Model

January 15, 2021

The Ultimate MSP Guide to Sales Efficiency

January 14, 2021

Eight Reasons Why MSPs Need IT Industry-Specific Sales Tools

January 14, 2021

Upcoming Events

View all

Channel Partners Virtual

March 2, 2021 - March 4, 2021

Channel Partners Conference & Expo

November 1, 2021 - November 4, 2021

Videos and Fastchats

View all

FASTCHAT: How SOAR Eliminates Security Challenges and Elevates Service Provider Revenues

January 6, 2021

Happy Holidays from Channel Partners & Channel Futures!

December 21, 2020

FASTCHAT: How Old, Unpatched Technologies Are Creating New Security Threats for MSPs and Their Customers

December 3, 2020

Twitter

ChannelFutures

.@IBMServices snaps up #MSP Taos for #hybridcloud expertise. dlvr.it/RqggQR https://t.co/Fy3uPDtLNw

January 16, 2021
ChannelFutures

.@LenovoBusiness launches its thinnest #ThinkPad to date @CES, revamped ThinkBooks and #ThinkReality glasses.… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

January 16, 2021
ChannelFutures

Help your customers mitigate #malware @Tech_Data #cryptolocker #antivirus #ransomware #cybersecurity… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

January 15, 2021
ChannelFutures

Advantages of the Subscription business model for MSPs and IT Resellers @kaspersky dlvr.it/RqgDJn https://t.co/ay694fudp3

January 15, 2021
ChannelFutures

Cloud #distributor @Pax8 launches in UK with leadership team in place. dlvr.it/RqfJWx https://t.co/RsKDCowM5V

January 15, 2021
ChannelFutures

bit.ly/3oO2vFY twitter.com/Craig_Galbrait…

January 15, 2021
ChannelFutures

The Ultimate MSP Guide to Sales Efficiency @zomentum dlvr.it/Rqc63q https://t.co/rHIVLkR01K

January 15, 2021
ChannelFutures

Eight Reasons Why MSPs Need IT Industry-Specific Sales Tools dlvr.it/Rqc62k https://t.co/MQDcIYc7G9

January 15, 2021

MSSP Insider

Newsletters and Updates

Sign up for The Channel Report, Channel Futures Update, MSP 501 Newsletter and more.

Live Channel Events

Get the latest information on the next industry-leading Channel Partners event.

Channel Partners Online

Want more? Find more channel news and analysis on our sister site, Channel Partners.

Media Kit And Advertising

Want to reach our audience? Access our media kit

DISCOVER MORE FROM INFORMA TECH

  • Channel Partners Online
  • Channel Partners Events
  • MSP 501
  • MSSP Insider
  • IoT World Today
  • Webhostingtalk

WORKING WITH US

  • Contact
  • About us
  • Advertise
  • Newsletter

FOLLOW Channel Futures ON SOCIAL

  • Privacy
  • CCPA: “Do Not Sell My Data”
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms
Copyright © 2021 Informa PLC. Informa PLC is registered in England and Wales with company number 8860726 whose registered and Head office is 5 Howick Place, London, SW1P 1WG.
This website uses cookies, including third party ones, to allow for analysis of how people use our website in order to improve your experience and our services. By continuing to use our website, you agree to the use of such cookies. Click here for more information on our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
X