HP adds Linux desktop alternative

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 11 Dec 2008 at 09:38

HP has announced that it will offer desktop machines preloaded with SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop to business and education customers.

The Novell-sponsored operating system will be offered on HP Compaq dc5850 machines, and "cost significantly less" than Vista bundled alternatives, though pricing has yet to be confirmed.

In a statement, HP says it will offer SUSE's desktop Linux with "a tightly integrated suite of essential applications, including OpenOffice.org, web browser, multimedia tools, and email, collaboration and instant messaging software."

Customers will also be able to download 40 free education-related applications, along with school administration software.

HP joins Dell and Lenovo in offering Linux-based desktop machines, though the company has toyed with Linux previously. It was offering Linux-loaded desktops back in 2000, though it has not done so in recent years.

Linux is also a feature of HP's range of netbooks, and will appear on the upcoming HP Mini 1000 Mobile Internet Experience Edition.