[mdlug] President's mail bag - Store to offer Linux preinstalled

[Raymond McLaughlin]

Mr. Hughs,

Thank you for contacting me. I find your idea both intriguing and
exciting. Right now I am swamped with other pressing business, but I
hope to be able to provide more extensive input in the next few weeks.

For the time being I will pass your letter on to our membership. I must
tell you that Computer Builders Warehouse got something of a bad
reputation in our group a couple of years ago. If I recall they were
promoting questionable MS 'facts' of some sort. I don't recall the
details off hand. Your project could go a long ways toward changing this.

I hope to be able to drop by your store some time in the next few weeks.
Is there any chance that your store could accommodate a "mini meeting"
of about a dozen people? Just a thought. In the mean time I suggest that
you join one or more of our mailing lists to get an idea of our group's
inclinations. Be warned that purely commercial postings are considered
spam, and greatly frowned upon.

I hope to see you soon
Raymond McLaughlin
President MDLUG

Rich Hughes wrote:
> >
> > Hello Mr. McLaughlin,
> >
> > My name is Rich Hughes, I manage the Computer Builders Warehouse store
> > inside Great Lakes Crossing. I also run www.linuxtechdaily.com
> > <http://www.linuxtechdaily.com> and have written for other Linux
websites.
> >
> > I'm writing to announce to you and your group that my store in Great
> > Lakes Crossing has been approved for a pilot program, offering Linux
> > based systems. If it is successful it will expand to our other
> > locations. We are also considering offering preloaded laptops. Currently
> > I have an Ubuntu 7.04 system decked out with the full Compiz/Beryl 3D
> > desktop. The reaction to it has been overwhelmingly positive. It is
> > helping to show that Linux is ready for home use.
> >
> > The Sytem Specs are:
> > AMD Athlon 64 3200+
> > 1 GB DDR2 Memory
> > 80 GB SATA2 Hard Drive
> > 18X Dual Layer DVD Burner
> > MSI Nvidia 7300GT PCIe Card
> >
> > We are selling the system for $399.  We have the ability to custom build
> > any system and load any version of Linux on it, but are trying this
> > combo out to see how it does. I believe our non-propriatery, open
> > architecture systems are a perfect match for Free Software.
> >
> > Frankly, I'm asking for MDLUG's support. I think there is enormous
> > potential for success here. With the failure of Vista, and the strides
> > Linux is making, I think now is the time. I'd love to get your members
> > out here into the store to check out this system.
> >
> > I'm also interested in feedback in what systems people might be
> > interested in. Distro, system specs, etc...
> > If anyone wants to check out our website www.cbwstores.com
> > <http://www.cbwstores.com> , look at our stock and let me know what they
> > would be interested in, I'd be happy to email back a coupon. My email is
> > rhughes at cbwstores.com <mailto:rhughes at cbwstores.com> .
> >
> > I appreciate your time, I hope your group gets excited about this. I
> > think it is a great opportunity for the community, and for our stores.
> > Feel free to call at any time or drop me an email.
> >
> > Thank You,
> >
> > Rich Hughes
> > Store Manager
> >
> > Computer Builders Warehouse
> > Great Lakes Crossing
> > 4354 Baldwin Road - Ste. 708
> > Auburn Hills, MI 48326
> > Tel: (248) 334-3061
> > Fax: (248) 334-5373