05.30.08
Ballnux Laptops Falter Again (Better Off with GNU/Linux)
Microsoft-tainted distributions at position of disadvantage
A certain misconception that can easily be perpetuated is that SUSE will stride ahead of its counterparts owing to the pact with Microsoft. Fortunately, that’s not the case. We recently highlighted a review that demonstrated the problem with SLED on low-cost laptops. It’s no match for some of its competition and the following new review makes no exception.
Not so Eee-sy
In the UK, HP offers the Mini Note 2133 with the choice of Linux, in the form of Novell SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10.1, or Windows Vista Business. Both the SKUs have the same core specification, but the Windows Vista version adds a 6-cell battery and makes up for Microsoft’s licensing costs with a £50 price hike.
Our test unit came with Novell’s Suse Linux 10 pre-installed, but unlike Asus, HP has made zero attempt to customise the installation to make it more accessible to beginners. If you’ve never used Linux before, that may make for a daunting first few hours with the 2133.
You can hopefully see that, yet again, Microsoft-crippled laptops (possibly illegal) are not necessarily cheaper in some countries with Ballnux than with Windows. We saw that before. Microsoft is able to manipulate pricing of competitors. █
Highlight: Novell was the first to acknowledge that Microsoft FUD tactics had substance. Novell then used anti-Linux FUD to market itself. 
Highlight: Xandros let Microsoft make patent claims and brag about (paid-for) OOXML support. 
Highlight: Linspire's CEO not only fell into Microsoft arms, but he also assisted the company's attack on GNU/Linux. 
Highlight: Microsoft craves pseudo (proprietary) standards and gets its way using proxies and influence which it buys. 
Highlight: The invasion into the open source world is intended to leave Linux companies neglected, due to financial incentives from Microsoft. 
Analysis: Xen, an open source hypervisor, possibly fell victim to Microsoft's aggressive (and stealthy) acquisition-by-proxy strategy.
Uncle_Sam said,
May 30, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Something just struk me after reading the Microsoft India fiasco. Something did stand out in that article “Code to specification” ….it just hit me,
Novell shifting their development center to India…hum…the same that does the works for Microsoft…
…all the pieces are coming together…it makes sense…
It seems that Microsoft is coding the MONO and Moonlight, and using Novell as a coverup. The MONO and Moonlight team are working for Microsoft on their payroll… (speculation) …Novell is just a pawn in this game.