14 DAY TRIAL // Following the example set by its competitors Dell and Acer, the Hewlett-Packard, HP for short, decided that it is time to launch a Linux based desktop computer system in Australia. So, soon HP's client will be able to opt for a computer based on the HP dx2250 PC hardware that comes preinstalled with a copy of the Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop 5.
Even if HP considered itself a Linux supporter both on the servers and on the desktop and mobile market segments this is the first time when a computer branded by HP is offered with a Linux distribution and that only after several months filled with rumors about the company's intentions of launching a business Linux desktop computer system. Among the possible candidates to the operating system job on the HP computer there were SUSE Linux Enterprise Desktop 10 SP 1, Ubuntu 7.04, or RHEL Desktop 5, or its delayed desktop Linux brother, Red Hat Global Desktop, according to the news site desktoplinux.
The Linux based computer is a HP Compaq dx2250 desktop computer, a low-end business intended system which comes equipped with a variety of AMD processors ranging from the low cost 1.60 GHz AMD Sempron 3000+ processor to the speedy 2.8 GHz AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 5600+ processor. System memory is maxed out at 2GB of RAM and the storage capacity department comes with a 250GB of hard disk drive. Optical drives can range from ordinary CDs to a DVD+/-RW LightScribe, Double Layer/Dual Format drive. Rob Kingston group manager of HP Australia's Personal Systems Group said, "HP is pleased to be working with Red Hat to bring a powerful new Linux desktop solution to SMBs in Australia, Local businesses are constantly demanding enhancements to the price-performance delivered by their desktop PC. By working with Red Hat, HP now delivers the business-class technology of the HP dx2250 combined with an open and low-cost operating system to support the commercial objectives of small and medium businesses."
The HP made desktop system come with a quite low price tag of 489 U.S. dollars and it seems that several levels of Red Hat technical support will also be included in the end price. With this bold move HP joins the ranks of the Linux supporting companies like Lenovo, Dell and Acer that are offering Linux based systems to at least a part of their customers.