HP to offer customized Linux for notebooks in Europe

By Wolfgang Gruener, Senior Editor

May 12, 2005 - 12:44 EST

Chicago (IL) - Hewlett-Packard (HP) offers its notebook customers in Europe the option to choose a customized Linux version for its products. The Ubuntu distribution is specifically designed to support the hardware used in HP notebooks.

HP has been offering Linux somewhat quietly for quite a while for users, who prefer open source software over the regular pre-installed Windows. However, the program announced in North America in February of 2005, is only available through HP's "Factory Express" site. Corporations and individuals can use the service to choose Windows, Linux (such as RedHat), or HP UX 11i as the operating system (OS) for their new device.

Recently, HP EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) expanded its activities and reacted to growing criticism that a generic Linux distribution often does not offer sufficient support for the hardware included in a notebook. The company confirmed that it is working with Ubuntu, one of the smaller Linux distribution providers, to offer its customers an operating system that is tailored to work 100 percent with the hardware - including wired and wireless network, Bluetooth IrDA and IEE1394 - of selected notebooks. Supported devices are the notebook models nx6110, nc6120, nc6220, nc6230, and nc6000.

HP does not open advertise the Ubuntu option, but instead lists FreeDOS as optional pre-installed OS. If requested, HP will provide a CD-ROM with a customized and Debian-based Ubuntu Linux free of charge. The CD also includes description of technical support, which includes free support through online resources as well as paid support through Canonical, the developer of Ubuntu.

According to HP in Europe, the Ubuntu Linux project is currently limited to EMEA - a region that tends to be more receptive to Linux than for example the US - and aims to demonstrate that a Linux desktop can be easily transferred to a notebook. The software is available in a few countries with an expansion to other markets being evaluated at this time, a spokesperson said.

The company was not able to say, if the program will be extended to the US in the future. US customers interested in Linux as pre-installed OS on their notebook today find FreeDOS as choice for newer products in HP's online store. An option to select Linux is absent and even sales representatives contacted by Tom's Hardware Guide did not know if a Linux distribution could be ordered for the notebooks.

Elizabeth Phillips, PR Manager for Integrity, Linux and Open Source at HP, US who would like to run the open source OS have to go through the dedicated Factory Express program: "From standard off-the-shelf products, to a single configured product, to complex engineered solutions, the HP Factory Express program provides customers the flexibility to choose their exact specifications for desktops, notebooks, workstations or servers running Linux." However, she said she was not aware of the Ubuntu project.