Dell Introduces Three New Linux PCs

Dell officially launched three consumer PCs that run the Ubuntu 7.04 Linux Operating System (OS): two desktops and one laptop. The new PCs give consumers a third choice when purchasing a computer -- namely, a machine with Windows installed, a machine with no OS so they can install whatever they want, and one with Ubuntu Linux installed.

The PCs will be available from Dell's web site. The E1505n laptop starts at $599. The E520n desktop starts at $599 and the XPS 410n starts at $849.

As a comparison, the XPS 410 that comes with Windows Vista Premium preloaded costs $899. More information about the machines can be found on the Direct2Dell blog. Technical details about the new machines can be found here.

Over 100,000 people participated with feedback collected at the Dell Ideastorm web site, a site that was set up to solicit customer suggestions.

All three PCs use Intel Core 2 Duo microprocessors. The desktops contain 1GB or RAM and 250GB hard drives. The laptop contains 512MB of RAM and an 80GB hard drive.

Consumers will have several hardware options to choose from. Options offered contain the most mature and stable Linux driver support and Dell will be working with vendors so more devices include Linux driver support in the future.

Hardware support is offered by Dell for the PCs. Basic software help will be offered from several dedicated web sites and Linux forums. Canonical Ltd. is offering software upgrades from the Ubuntu.com web site.

Dell also created a Linux Forum so users can find resources, troubleshoot, discuss issues and share their experiences about the new PCs.

For the time being, Dell is only offering the new machines in the U.S. while they work out details to make the program Global.

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