Canonical and Dell announce today that Dell laptops preloaded with Ubuntu will be sold in 850 retail outlets in India. The choice of form factor reflects the demand for mobile computing in India, where Dell is growing fast. Ubuntu provides a legal, full-featured and flexible alternative to proprietary software, with a range of popular applications included by default. And thanks to the Ubuntu Software Centre, it offers easy access to hundreds more, from business productivity and scientific research to games and social media.
“A founding principle of Ubuntu is to make computing more accessible,” said Canonical’s CEO, Jane Silber at the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network’ event in New Delhi. “By working with Dell to bring these machines to market, we’re providing millions of people with the opportunity of an affordable, high-quality computing experience—in some cases, for the first time.”
Sameer Garde, President, Dell India, said, “With Ubuntu, these machines offer our customers a compelling mobile or in-home computing proposition, with the benefit of Dell quality and security. I am confident that they will prove attractive to both home and business users.”
The retail outlets will display Ubuntu-branded marketing collateral in-store, with trained staff explaining the advantages of Ubuntu to consumers.
The machines, including the new Inspiron 14R and new Inspiron 15R, will be available with Ubuntu pre-installed from June 21st. More models are slated for release later in the year.
