| These are Dell's Ubuntu PCs |
May 24, 2007
 Analysis -- Long expected, Dell finally officially released its first line of consumer PCs with pre-installed Linux, Ubuntu 7.04, on May 24. Here's a closer look at exactly what's what in Dell's initial line of Ubuntu-powered desktops and laptops.
(Click here for a larger view of Dell's XPS 410n running Ubuntu)
Dimension E520n
The first of these computers, the Dimension E520n, comes from Dell's budget-priced desktop PC line. The base system comes with 1GB of 533MHz Dual-Channel DDR2 SDRAM (double-data-rate two synchronous dynamic random access memory) for memory, and a 250GB SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) hard drive. For a processor, the E520n uses a 1.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 CPU.
Dimension E520
For graphics, the E520n uses 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 7300LE TurboCache. This card comes with 256MB of onboard memory. The TurboCache feature enables the graphics processor, the 7300LE, to make use of the PC's main memory when an application demands more graphical performance than the card can provide with its on-board memory. The system also comes with a 17-inch E177FP Analog flat panel display. For audio, the system uses Sound Blaster X-Fi.
This system also comes with a combined CDRW/DVD ROM optical drive. For networking, the E520n comes with the usual 10/100 Ethernet port.
For expansion, this desktop includes 7 USB 2.0 ports, 2 PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) slots, a PCIe (PCI Express) slot and a PCIe x16 Graphics slot. Its memory can be upgraded to 4GB.
The price for the baseline system is $599. Dell's equivalent, Windows-powered system is a Dimension E520 Versatile Multimedia. Once its hardware has been upgraded to the E520n's hardware standard, with NVIDA graphics and the Sound Blaster X-Fi, this Vista Home Premium-powered PC costs $799.
XPS 410n
Generally speaking, the XPS 410 line offers more powerful home desktop system than the E520s. In the case of the Ubuntu systems, however, the XPS 410n package is a great deal like the E520n with the same processor, RAM, hard drive and graphics card. The most significant difference, at this point, seems to be that the XPS 410n bundle includes a 19-inch SP1908FP silver flat panel and a single optical drive that can write to both CDs and DVDs.
XPS 410
The XPS 410n does offer more expansion room than the E520n. While both can go up to 4GB of RAM, the XPS 410n also offers 3 PCI slots, a PCIe x1 slot, a PCIe x16 Graphics slot, and a PCIe x4/x8 slot.
The XPS 410n lists for $849. Its Windows-based twin, the XPS 410 Performance Multimedia system, runs Windows Vista Home Premium and retails for $899.
Inspiron E1505n
For a Linux-powered laptop, Dell is offering the Inspiron E1505n. This notebook is powered by the Intel Pentium dual-core 1.73GHz T2080. It also comes with an 80GB hard drive and a combined CDRW/DVD drive.
Inspron E1505
For RAM, the E1505n comes with 512MB of shared dual channel DDR2 SDRAM. For a display it offers a TrueLife 15.4-inch screen. This screen supports 1280 x 800 WXGA (Wide eXtended Graphics Array) graphics. This 16:9 aspect ratio display is supported by an integrated Intel Media Accelerator 950 Graphics chip set.
Te E1505n uses, not Dell's own Wireless 1390b/g card, but the Intel PRO Wireless 3945 chipset for WiFi. The 3945, thanks in part to Intel, which helped with the driver's development, historically has worked well on Linux systems. This network interface can handle up to 54Mbps speeds using 802.11 g or, the less common, 802.11a WiFi standard.
Pricing starts for the E1505n starts at $599. There's no exact comparison to the E1505n in the rest of the E1505 line. The closest runs Vista Home Basic but comes with a Gigabyte of RAM, and an ATI graphics card. This system retails for $749.
Upgrades?
Until Dell actually starts selling its new Linux systems, it's not clear what upgrades will be available for each system. At the very least, we can safely assume that buyers will be able to upgrade the RAM, hard drives and choices of optical drives. In the interests of compatibility, it is likely that Linux customers won't have as many choices as Windows users for graphic cards and WiFi.
Dell will begin selling these systems at 4 PM CDT on May 24 at its Dell Linus sales site.
-- Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols
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