[Lvlug] Re: Business Selling computers

[Randy Kramer]

Mike,

Thanks for your response!

That's a good idea, but I see it as an ancillary thing -- we still need
to have the basic rock solid configuration.  If some want to install it
themselves while or after attending some classes, and are willing to pay
a little more, that's great.

Randy Kramer

Mike Kane wrote:
> I've been a bit of a lurker here for a while now (50 to 55 hours a week
> and a 90 min commute doesn't leave time for much), but on this idea I
> just had to comment.  Instead of just selling boxes w/ Linux
> preinstalled, why not add a bit of value... sell a basic box with
> nothing preinstalled... and bring your customers in for a class (or a
> few) on installing the system?  Add the price of your time into the
> final cost of the box ,say $400 4to $500 worth of hardware for around
> $600 to $700, and two or three classes on installing Linux and apps on
> the system. (I never learn anything really well unless I installed it..
> usually after breaking an install beyond repair!) You build the box and
> the install routine beforehand, so you are comfy with everything and
> don't have to deal with unfamilliar or unsupported hardware, and your
> customers need less support because they did the work themselves.  IMO,
> this is the best way to start getting Linux on the desktop. Just my $.02
> worth..