HP drops Linux from European netbooks

Posted on February 6, 2009 | Category: Ubuntu General, netbook

Well, HP just lost a customer.

I’m a daily reader of Silicon Republic, which notes this morning that

HP drops Linux from European netbooks

06.02.2009
Computer manufacturer Hewlett-Packard (HP) has decided to no longer offer the Linux version of the new HP Mini 1000 in a number of European markets.
The new netbook was due to go on sale in Europe this month. In the US, the Linux version of the Mini 1000 comes with Ubuntu’s flavour of Linux.
Instead, in certain markets across Europe, including Ireland and the UK, HP will sell the Compaq 700 and the HP Vivienne Tam edition of the Mini 1000 (pictured), both of which come with Windows XP installed.

Bad move, HP, in my humble opinion. And certainly bad PR. There’s such a thing as engendering customer loyalty, and I don’t think this is the way to do it. So I’ll most likely drop HP off my list for a new notebook, too, when the time comes, and certainly will give friends and relations a wider list to choose from, as a couple are in the market for computers just now.

What a pity.

» Filed Under Ubuntu General, netbook

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