Bad marketing undermines Linux netbooks
Submitted by srlinuxx on Tue, 10/07/2008 - 04:12.
Over the past couple of days the online media has been full of stories of dissatisfied Linux netbook users returning their computers. Bloggers and journalists quickly picked up on the fact that return rates for Linux-based netbooks were apparently much higher than for Windows.
On the surface of it that is a disturbing number. The obvious conclusion to jump to is that Linux is a failure on netbooks. It’s obvious, isn’t it? No-one wants Linux on their netbook so they’re all rushing to trade them in.
The truth is likely to be a little more … obvious.
Microsoft controls around 90 percent of the market for desktop PC software. The latest NetApplications survey puts Windows’ market share at 90.29 percent. Linux, on the other hand, accounts for just 0.91 percent of the market. Even Apple’s 8.23 percent share makes Linux look like a non-starter.
XP exchange is not known for Linux returns ? Return data ????
Manufacturers use return rate as a QC policy issue. Over one percent means quality standard is not tight enough, but bad reputation will result. Less than one percent return means QC is too tight and shipments or profits suffered. 4% Linux returns over XP netbooks is meaningless.
Asus has XP ready for any Linux returns to exchange, to keep customers happy. No Asus complaints on too many customers came back to exchange their Linux netbooks. Linux was introduced to appeal to customers as price points that can be attractive. To make cheap customers happy; cheap customers can live with Linux.
Market analysis has to be professional. MSI just wants to add product lines to do more high end for Microsoft customers. Using return rates to sell to Amazon corporate buyers(purchasing agent). Then, they will also have Vista on their Wind product line.