Wow I must say that's a comprehensive plan of action there. I'm going to print off that email itself and bring it in this Saturday.
I was thinking myself of the dualboot option, but I settled on the idea of WINE being OK for most needs. Would it be possible to customize a Linux install disk to already have these packages installed automatically? Similar to n/vlite on Windows. We don't have an online shop as such - the conclusion I've come to is that it would cost too much to transport the computers to other parts of the country. It's a good idea though. I'll let y'all know how it goes anyway. James On 26 May 2009, at 21:23, alan c <aecl...@candt.waitrose.com> wrote: > James Milligan wrote: >> Let me just say that I couldn't think of a better title for this, so >> please improve it if you can! >> >> The shop I work in sells desktop computers that are built to order >> each time, meaning the OS too. We also sell laptops by ASUS but >> that's > [...] > > Have you considered selling dual boot computers? I know it is > currently unconventional, and would give most readers here indigestion > at the thought, but from my experience most 'customers' are already > hooked on Windows and invariably want Windows still in place on their > computers, but they ALSO want Ubuntu to give them an elegant 'escape' > route. If nothing prevents then using Ubuntu such as an incompatible > printer, then experience suggests they will use Ubuntu more and more > with time. > > In a high street retail environment, the offer of 'Added Value' of > dual boot would lead to a higher purchase price. If the price is too > low this will seem illogical to a Windows 'Retail' customer. My guess > would be an extra 50 pounds for Ubuntu dual boot, with Ubuntu > configured with as many media codecs and flash, as possible. If the > hardware is compatible that should take less than one hour, maybe half > hour. > > You will then be continuing Windows support for a time, and also be in > a position to support learning of Ubuntu use. You will become known > locally as the escape route from Windows. I believe that the type of > person who will buy a pre installed Ubuntu PC in a high street store > will be happy to pay extra and be even happier that it is dual boot. > > You will get a fair amount of in person visits to ask this or that > question - they will come to the shop and see something and buy it, > when talking to you. More business. > > My estimate is that it will take the customers approximately two years > before they want to discard Windows altogether. > > Meanwhile you can still offer Ubuntu only PCs to those that want them > preinstalled (for the same price or a little more than Windows PCs??). > > You will also get a market, (perhaps online sales?), for naked PCs > which you know are compatible with Ubuntu. Personally, I do not have > much need for a pre installed PC, however I do have a regular (sort > of) need to buy hardware that I will install into, and it is always a > bit of a gamble about the hardware. > -- > alan cocks > Ubuntu user #10391 > Linux user #360648 > > -- > ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com > https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk > https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/ -- ubuntu-uk@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-uk https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UKTeam/
