Dell to Start Offering Linux Laptops and Desktops

After numerous requests from Linux geeks, Dell has heard the cries for an alternative OS to Windows. They have decided to make some Linux-certified laptops and desktop computers. The plan as of now, is to offer the Dell OptiPlex desktops, Dell Precision workstations and their Latitude notebooks in a “Certified for Linux” option to average consumers.

Dell and Novell have been cozying up for a while now and so this development is not really shocking.

Now, the question is whether or not the Dell machines will come pre-loaded with Linux. If so, what version will they offer? Michael Dell had this to say in an interview regarding a Linux/Dell partnership and what version to offer:

If we say we like Ubuntu, then people will say we picked the wrong one. If we say we like and support Ubuntu, Novell, Red Hat, and Xandros, then someone would ask us, ‘Why don’t you support Mandriva? The challenge we have with picking one is that we think we’d disenchant the other distributions’ supporters.

Until that is resolved (if ever) Linux geeks will just have to order a Dell n-Series machine running FreeDOS and load their favorite Linux flavor themselves.

Then, if they can sell a few more machines, maybe they can afford to fix Grandpa’s truck 🙂