Dell's Ubuntu Linux machines launching today

There's still no press release but those three Dell's running Ubuntu are just minutes away from donning their direct-sales wings according to Dell's official Direct2Dell site. Just like we heard, the three rigs available for the Linux pre-load include the E520 Dimension desktop, Inspiron E1505 consumer laptop, and XPS 410 media rig, now suffixed with an "n." All three will be up by 4pm CST later today from Dell's "open" site. Prices start at $599 for your choice of the E520n desktop or E1505n notebook while the XPS 410n will cost you $899. Interestingly enough, Vista pre-load pricing starts at $369 for the E520, $699 for the E1505, and $899 for the XPS 410. Huh? It's just a start according to Dell, with "plenty more to come."

[Via Ramblings from the Marginalized, thanks Steve D.]

[(Unverified) Posted May 30th 2007 5:52AM]

There is a correction - the price for the XPS 410n will be starting at $849.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 9th 2007 2:54AM]

As everyone likes to bash Microsoft for being a monopoly, etc, having a "standard" does make it alot easier for the "average" computer user. I get a headache just trying all the different versions of Linux (e.g. ubuntu, DSL damn small linux, puppy linux, etc) and had a hard time to get drivers so that all my peripherals would work. I couldnt get wireless USB to work using DSL or usb ethernet adaptor to work with puppy linux. The best so far is ubuntu - but I'm still trying to understand all the features after getting used to Windows.

Linux is definitely NOT for the general public who has limited knowledge of the "technical" aspects of how an OS works. Should MS fear linux - the answer is NO. As long as there are multitudes of linux iterations, the consumers are unlikely to adapt to. Linux will be confined to IT professionals and those with alot more experience than the average PC user. The same is true for the Mac.