My only problem with Dell selling these comptuers is they severly limit choice. The models of PC I’d prefer (assuming I’d actually buy from Dell, which I won’t) are the ones that only come with Windows. They offer better options/features.

But I digress..

Linux is about choice. I’ve taken a look at some companies that sell PCs with Linux preinstalled. First off, I’ve never heard of most of them and am leery of venturing into the unknown. Secondly, they never seem to offer the flavor of Linux I actually want.

In that regard, it would be just like getting a PC from Dell with their “supported” Linux distro installed and then promptly removing it and installing the distro of my choice. In other words, that’s what I’d do if I bought a PC from any company that pre-installed a version of Linux I didn’t want.

My preference would be for either Ubuntu or possibly Fedora Core (actually I’d prefer Debian Sid but I can’t imagine an company supporting that).

So frankly, if I were going to buy a PC with the intent to run only Linux on it, I’d much prefer a PC with no OS at all. Then I could decide on my own which one I want. That’s even more true if someone prefers one of the obscure/niche distros.

On the other hand,. I do realize that one would probaby lose out on support. But I highly doubt anyone seeking out a PC to buy with the intent to only run linux would be in much need of support anyway.

Besides, Dell’s Customer Service sucka anyway. :-)

Lastly, I actually like having Windows on my computer in additoin to other Opertating Systems, even if I rarely use it.