Direct2Dell

I am most concerned about was not having support for the idiot broadcom WIFI card not working for me without several days of testing kernel prerelease versions or patching almost daily snapshots of the project that has been working on a linux native driver for these cards before I finally got them to work to a sub-par  standard, not to mention the hours spent recovering work after ndiswrapper kept hard locking the machines.

flodby mp3 indir johnny depp cileknet

I am the current owner of not 1 but 3(THREE) Dell inspiron 1501 notebook computers.

I'm also a long time linux user and as such could not care less about what distro they decide to install on thier systems. The very first thing I do with a machine when I buy it whether notebook or desktop is stick my livecd in it and format and install my OS. There are a great many linux users out there that are just like me in this.

What I am most concerned about was not having support for the idiot broadcom WIFI card not working for me without several days of testing kernel prerelease versions or patching almost daily snapshots of the project that has been working on a linux native driver for these cards before I finally got them to work to a sub-par  standard, not to mention the hours spent recovering work after ndiswrapper kept hard locking the machines.

I could even deal with all of that since at least linux devs are trying to do something about the support (light is at the end of the tunnel), What really sent me off the deep end is when DELL decided that I cant really do what I want with a machine I spent very hard earned money for such as refusing to  allow me to even install another off the shelf miniPCI card that would work just fine with any OS I could throw at it.

Are there no laws against this type of hijacking of my rights?

In any case Dell and frankly all PC manufacturers need to get their act together  and give me FULL and complete access to do as I like with my machine.

</RANT> 

I recently bought a budget Inspiron expecting to be able to use it with Ubuntu and although it installs fine, a key feature has been problematic. The Broadcom driver doesn't work with Ubuntu and despite the excellent support from Ubuntu forums, no amount of patching, and replacing the thing can get the wireless to work.  Loads of others have faced similar problems.

The combination of a cheap well-spec'd laptop with Ubuntu on it and working would be a fanstastic option for loads of customers.  Like me, a lot of customers are fed up with paying the MS tax for software that bloats and slows the machine, locking us into the update mechanism.  Many of us have things to do on the machines and the OS should be there to help us do it.

After years of using MS OSs, including years of developing software for them, customers deserve something a lot better and if Dell, with its excellent hardware offering, supported Ubuntu comprehensively, it could clean up in the hardware arena.

 

As a french Linux user, I can't wait for a Linux Dell option.

I really hope Dell will expand this offer to european countries very soon.

There is a lot of users and companies which are waiting for true Linux based PCs in europe too ! 

Almost Awesome! Now, as soon as I can scroll down the PROCESSORS list and choose  AMD for the laptop, I've got 1200 burning a hole to buy one.

I will not buy Intel.

I do not eat at McDonalds.

I do not talk to AT&T

I do not buy from Microsoft.

Evil still = Evil.

I'd rather buy a third-rate Chinese CPU or a GPU than an Intel anything, at any speed.

I buy about 20 computers a year for business. None of them contain Intel or M$. They never will.

 Let me know when I can spend my money on an AMD Dell with Ubuntu.

Actually currently looking around for a notebook that'll run properly with Linux. As most people commented already, the main reason for choosing a particular notebook is one with hardware that's supported by Linux.

This means hardware for which there are opensource drivers (preferably GPL-ed). Think that most Linux users want freedom of choice, the choice to choose their own hardware and to choose what software they run with it. Adding specific information like chipset info might also be a welcome addition.

Basically, as long as the source for the drivers is available, choosing which distro to pre-install is actually not that important.
Just go for the one that's easiest to use by new users of desktop Linux, which is Ubuntu in my opinion, the rest will do what do want anyway.

Also don't worry too much about having to invest in software support, if the hardware manufacturer's drivers are open source, it'll be supported by the Linux community.

If you were already shipping linux-ready notebooks, you'd definitely have me as a customer already!

Hope you'll be shipping notebooks with Linux compatible hardware soon!


 

I will NOT buy anything with Vista!

 I will, however, buy a Dell if its hardware is Linux friendly.  Linux is, after all, the OS of choice of NASA, Dept of Homeland Security, NJ State Police, German Govt, etc - get the picture!!
 

Ban windows on DELL make it a LINUX only system with easier tho install software and the company s will move OPEN-source

,luke 

It would be great to have an option of having Ubuntu as the OS pre-installed with an OEM.  It would save people like me who can use Linux and don't need the over-rated, over-priced Windows quite some money.  I also think it would be good if they could do a dual boot (with grub) for some people who want to transit to Linux but need Windows for some apps.

Hi Mr. Dell and dear fellow readers of this log.

 It's now about 12 years that I exclusively use Linux, in various flavours; I began with Slackware.... nightmare installation, then CorelLinux came on the scene; what a big difference it was. But then, as we all know, M$ intervened, "helped" Corel to get out of the financial hole it was, changed the C.E.O.  and the first thing he did was scrap the Linux Unit. Which later continued as Xandros. Frankly speaking, I still use Xandros, and I have found it to be the easiest Linux use. I know, it is not free; at least the full and latest version. But it remarkably painless to use; many friend of mine asked ... "What windows is this ...?"  ... :-)

The most remarkable feature of Xandros? The control Panel. Seeing is believing. 

Anyway, I am firmly convinced that the move towards LInux is a very good move, which represents the real beginning of some real competition, open market style, and competition is GOOD for us end users.

I sincerely hope that some other big players, like IBM/Lenoxo and HP, will follow your very wise initiative; TO LISTEN to their customers. 

 Stefano Mollo.

It's great that Dell has decided to sell systems with Linux pre-installed. I myself own 3 systems which run Ubuntu(well, my older PC runs Xubuntu, but I use Ubuntu on my laptop and main PC). I currently own an Acer Aspire 3680, but I'll almost definitely be getting my next one from Dell.

~Stash 

Ubuntu's not a bad choice for a distribution to use.  I worry a bit about their plans with regards to not support non-GPL stuff (nvidia's closed-source graphics drivers are, for example, better than the current open source ones, and are free as well).  Beyond that, some people mentioned business models.  I think Linux in the enterprise is a whole other issue, and one that requires a lot more than just putting the machines out there for sale to make happen.  It's part of a larger sales strategy. 

The real benefit with just making linux-based systems available will be in the end-user market, not corporate IT, where M$ lock-in exists en masse.  

Ubuntu is simple and easy to use. Gnome is simple and easily modified, even as a novice. Hardware support is a must. Work with the choice distribution's community to properly decide appropriate requirements. This will be a great day for the open-source world.

I just want a computer that works -- out of the box -- with as much of the hardware I already own as possible and all of the hardware it comes equipped with!

The preinstalled distro doesn't matter. It would be nice to save some money and have more choices as a consumer.

Having more choices would likely persuade me to buy a Dell rather than an Apple. 

I'm both a fan of Dell and Linux, so this is wonderful!  I would recommend Ubuntu 6.06 as the baseline as it will be supported for a few years without requiring an upgrade.  If someone wanted to upgrade it's simple enough for the average user.  Just install the default Gnome desktop.  Those that want KDE, Fluxbox, or XFCE can add it from a repository very easily.  Just stick with the default Ubuntu. 

I would recommend desktops for business, but if you can do laptops as well that would be great for the home user.  Laptops should have a video card, not integrated video.  For the most part that doesn't do anyone any favors.  As long as hardware is all Linux compatible, there shouldn't be any issues except WinModems.  Let's go without those, please.

Thanks Dell!

Dude,

I´m gettin' a Dell!

A laptop with Ubuntu pre-installed, to be exact.

This is SO COOL!

My company runs on Ubuntu and Pilão (brazilian coffee).

 All of our desktops are custom built at home, but, now,

we will be using Dell laptops (we´ve been researching laptop

purchases for a while).  We are ecstatic to have the option to purchase with our favorite OS, and w/o the M$ virus pre-installed. 

Anthony Baldwin

CEO, Baldwin Linguas

Translations & Interpreting 

So cool that you´re now offering Linux machines.

I, too, recommend Ubuntu for laptops and home computers.

I would recommend the Kubuntu flavor (Ubuntu with KDE desktop) as default, however, for various reasons.  

For schools, you could offer the Edubuntu (Ubuntu with edutainment and educational software added by default.  Does use Gnome desktop).

Another phenomenal idea would be to offer K12LTSP machines to schools (see the k12ltsp.org or k12linux.org site, a fedora based terminal server project).

tony 

I applaud Dell for the decision.  I have purchased a Dell Desktop in the past will certainly do so again.  I currently use Ubuntu on a Dell Desktop at home and it works great.  I have tried many linux distros and on several computers (desktops and laptops) and found Ubuntu to be the best choice.  I would imagine a if you could select a couple of laptops and desktops (maybe four total), I higher-end and one more entry level, so that people can have some choice in price and computing power.  Of course without the Microsoft tax either should be more affordable with Ubuntu.  I will not buy a VIsta machine and my next computer purchase will be a Dell with Ubuntu!

Bravo Dell for promoting free choice and letting the little people fight the Microsoft monopoly!
 

   I have 2 dells at home and usually recommend Dells for the family members that ask my advice. I want Linux on Laptops and desktops and I dont want to pay for a License for Windows when I buy a Linux box from Dell.

Thanks

I look forward to seeing how this actually turns out...you have a huge opportunity here, especially to even further drive down the price of your computers and sell even more.

Ubuntu wasn't a horrible choice. It isn't that many of these distributions are more difficult to use than Windows (driver problems aside), only that they are different which sometimes make it difficult for people who have 'grown up' on it harder to grasp. You have the resources to change all of this, and even make money off of it... I wish you luck!

If this really does work out, I look forward to buying a laptop this fall for school :)

That's great....!!!

 Even if I prefer Debian, I think Ubuntu is the perfect choice!!!

 
good Job !!!

Glad to see it.

I had been planning on slowly mutating this hp box i'm working on into something that resembled current hardware, but if you're pushing Ubuntu on your prebuilts... with warranties... and support. i'll bite.

oh. quick request? can you bundle cedega subscriptions? :)

--

Ike 

I want to establish 4 computer networks based on ubuntu 7.04 and Ubuntu Server 6.10. Those companies always buy Dell's hardware. They don't want Vista because hardware for Vista is so expensive, so proposal Ubuntu and they are agree.

I', Windows MCSE administrator, but sopose I will must learn linux. 

I would appreciate a laptop with Feisty Fawn.

It seems to be a very good opportunity to offer a laptop at a cheap price and with technical components of good quality. 

YEEEEEEEES,

Thanks DELL

The most important is HARDWARE support to linux. After that, let the user choose his/her distro. One of the most beautiful things about linux is that you don't have to say: "this is THE distro"... from slackware to kurumin, using gnome, fluxbox, kde, icewm, xfce... we have the choice!

So the most important is giving the hardware specifications, and having open drivers for your hardware: that's just heaven!

 Greetings,

daniel
 

Its all about the laptops!!!

 all of us linux users are geeks, we BUILD OUR OWN computers.  the one problem comes when one of us wants a laptop. we cannot build a laptop, so we are forced to buy one.  every laptop out there comes with windows preinstalled, and preincluded in the cost :o

 so here is our one and only option for a cheep linux laptop

 DELL!!!

 i will need to get a laptop soon, and i hope i can get it from dell with linux for cheaper and not be forced to buy micro$oft
 

May I suggest SimplyMepis linux, the current version is based on Ubuntu but has a KDE desktop,realplayer,flash,Nvidia drivers etc.so things like youtube,Google Earth, and BBC news etc. work without problems.
Networks with Windows with no effort too.
Incidenally  my daughter was complaining that her computer a one year old Dell with XP would not work on a particular site, I tried it and it worked on my old  700mhz  machine running Mepis.

Please ignore anyone that says "No binary drivers".  Why use free reverse-engineered drivers for your hardware when the manufacturer is providing correct, working drivers?  Just because you can't see the source code (And not many people would bother to) doesn't mean you shouldn't use it.

Best of luck, I think it's an excellent idea.  Maybe offer a pre-installed dual-boot option for a fee? 

Please don't base the decision of the Linux distro for Dell systems just based on popularity.....if popularity was a decision maker for PCs, then Windows would be recommended  (god forbid) ...........popular does not make it the best..................

case in point PCLinuxOS  installed on my desktop and laptop much easier and picked up more hardware than Ubuntu or Kubuntu, and think a minute, Ubuntu has all kinds of commercial $$$'s behind it and PCLOS doesnt' ........... hmmm, kinda funny isn't it?

I hope your offer will be extended in europe too...

I use gentoo but i don't really care of pre-installed distros. I would like to have choice or linux or no os preinstalled.

But overall I think complete hardware support is most important

My vote for CentOS; why:

RedHat is the most stable, reliable, documented and supported linux flavor, but the reason why everybody wants Linux is because they (or we) don't want to pay more and more. So with CentOS we will have RedHat free... Centos is the way forward!!!

I generally like Dell hardware.  My first was a P2-266 for college and it was a great machine.  Use a Precision 390 at work that is also pretty nice.  Thought about getting it myself but it is way overpriced once you go below the bare minimum configuration.  I have always liked the idea of getting a machine that is built to exactly what I want and is burn in tested before it arrives.  However, the last machine I bought was put together from parts due to Dell NOT giving me what I want. 

I'm sorry I missed the survey, but this is what I would like: 

1.  To buy a machine from dell and see a 'XXX Linux' or 'Other/Non Windows' option in the configurator and know that none of my money will be given to Microsoft. 

2. Know that everything on the machine works with linux and will in the future because the specs are open.  If I select the 'Linux' option I want to be assured that I am not getting a winmodem or chipset that does not work with linux.

3. I have a highly favorable opinion of Ubuntu for home users (My wife and I use it at home).  I also want a value but not crap 3d graphics card that can power a desktop and TV-out that has open specs. 
 

use suse.

I hope this comment actually makes it onto the page, because my last one, which had valid arguments why ubuntu should NOT be the distro Dell chooses never showed up, yet all the ubuntu comments from the fanboys do.

PLease: use Ubuntu 7.04 (ubuntu.com)

have ALL drivers installed and working

have ALL codecs installed 

abd all essential apps installed (and please, install NO useless ones ) do what apple does.

more info go to www.ubuntu.com

INSTALL UBUNTU LINUX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Having a Linux pre-installed  on  Dell notebook would be very helpful to students like me. I have been using  Linux  on my Dell Inspiron  for more than a couple of years. I haven't had any problem so far that I couldn't find solution online.

   I would like to see more hardware support for Dell for linux like wireless cards and graphic cards
 

Dear Dell,

it seems that you're listening, so i take the time to talk... let me say that i really think that you're doing a great job indeed. I will not suggest you a distribution, because is a fact of taste, nothing more, but i want to suggest a modus operandi instead... hardware that works... that's all... easy to use/set with every linux flavor, and take care of new peripherals: bluetooth, ir remote, graphics card (for 3d desktop), smart keys (activate/deactivate, cpu freq, etc...) and so on..

Think also at mediacenter editions to battle against apple frontrow or windows mediacenter edition: take a look at elisa by fluendo 

Hi,

 I am using openSuSE 10.2 on my HP DV5292EA laptop and it supports all the hardwares out of box barring a few tweaks required for 6-in-1 card reader and HD Audio Device.

 
But I have not succeeded in some of the DELL laptops installing Ubuntu/openSuSE linux with complete hardware working. I've had couple of problems which finally made me re-install windows xp for them (the people i advocated for linux usage).

 
If not linux pre-installed laptop/desktops I expect at least GNU/Linux ready hardwares.

Thanks.
 

I'm ready to buy -- what do you have for me today?

My previous laptop, an OEM variant of (I believe) the Inspiron 3000 line [power notebooks III:16, to be exact] is suffering from memory lapses -BUT- it is running SuSE 10.1 right now, and in fact has been running some form of SuSE since about 8.x.  Initially, it was dual-booting w/windows 98, but one day I got a "green screen of death" -- totally locked up right after the puke-green default background of windows-at-the-time came up, and that was it for windows on that machine -- reformatted and loaded SuSE 9.something or so, and it has been upgraded since to 10.1 as I said.  (the cool part about 10.1 is that suspend now works [again], among other things)

My point is that your systems already work with Linux, but the point MANY people have made is that any "new" hardware you include MUST have some form of supported driver available.  Unlike most of the folks chanting the linux line, I'm perfectly happy with a binary driver *if* I can be reasonably assured of the fact that there is support now and into the foreseeable future.  (which, if you think about it, is really a sneaky way of saying that you really will be better off with open hardware)

I also prefer SuSE as that is what I've used for the last several releases.  Not entirely sure about the "microsoft deal", but I'll point out that FUD works both ways ;)  I'm also in a bit of a minority in that I tolerate windows -- I may not like it, but I don't react to it like Dracula and a cross...

In writing this, though, I did come up with a thought that may make a lot of sense: instead of "windows" or "linux" as the "OS", sell the computer(s) with VMWARE ESX or similar "hosting environment".  Users would then be free to choose which actual OS they will install under that -- even both at once!

Like I said, I am searching for a new laptop replacement today -- what have you got for me?

I can't find the 745N Mini Tower system in my company Premier
Site. Should I go with my order to Dell's competition?

I'd definitely love to see Dell offer Linux PCs and notebooks, but they have to be easily accessible to people.  No hiding Linux computers through 7458945 links...they have to be right on the front page right next to that big ol Vista logo.

 My distro of choice?  Debian of course.
 

Recommendations (a little late, I know).

Ubuntu, like it or not, has the largest populus of new converts and thus has the largest buzz today.  I realize that Dell doesn't want to buy into a fad and so you're really wondering if Ubuntu is the right thing or something that, while less snazzy, is likely to be around for a long time (like Novell SuSE or RedHat RHEL).

I would actually recommend that you focus on compatibility with a Debian core.  My reasoning is that there are a lot of distributions that base themselves on Debian (Ubuntu/Kubuntu/Edubuntu, Xandros, Linspire, etc.).  If you build in compatibility with Debian (which has proven to be able to survive for a very long time) then you will almost certainly gain compatibility with all of its derivatives.

Personally, I don't like Novell... primarily because of their deal with Microsoft.  I suspect that I am in the majority when I say that I, as a linux user, am really holding Novell suspect for the actions and will not support their efforts without seeing what is behing their virtual curtain.

RedHat is great, RHEL is a solid, reliable system... the problem is that it isn't free.  So you think, well, why not Fedora then.  Fedora doesn't have support for their OS for long enough.  1 year of updates and then you have to find legacy sites to get updates.  Too much trouble and Dell could be seen as fueling vulnerable systems if they don't make some effort to keep their customer's systems up-to-date.

So that brings me back to Debian and really back to Ubuntu.  Ubuntu is backed by Canonical (which I'm sure you already know).  Ubuntu has a release of under a year but holds support for older versions up to 3 years.  I especially like Ubuntu LTS.

Perhaps, since you are the largest company interested in providing these options you should contact Canonical and see if they'll add additional support durations to releases that you include on your computers. 

I like openSuSE Linux because the KDE, but it requires preinstalled Smart + a large set of repositories in order to make it work properly.

Ubuntu/Kubuntu is also great, but the desktop is not as polished as SuSE.

So I guess the options would be between SuSE and Ubuntu/Kubuntu.

Debian has one of the best package systems, but it is more for servers, same with Red Hat.

About Linspire and Xandros, I think people will only choose Linux in order to save some bucks, so, probably not good options.
 

Please use Intel 3D chipset.  Intel shows respect to our community by releasing free drivers. We want to be able to use 3D features without giving up on our freedom to nvidia or ati.

And while we're at it, why not setup Beryl or the likes by default?  :-)

Btw, I really appreciate this initiative.  I've never bought a Dell product, but I'll consider doing that in the future, specialy when I want to avoid the "microsoft tax".

hi and thank for the opportunity to buy a pc directly with linux. it isn't important which distro do you choose, but i would like a sign of compatibility or not with the major distros. i see mandriva spring as one of the most aesy to use and good distro fo ever.

bye

Marcello 

What's key for a computer to run Linux well is the hardware.  EVERYTHING must work correctly, and a couple of things come to mind:

*New ATI video (x1300, x1400) drivers not giving full 3D support.  This means no eye candy from Beryl/Compiz.  Use NVIDIA cards or Intel integrated video instead.

*The wireless needs to just work.  No NDISwrapper, no terminal, just always work with network-manager.  Don't use any more Broadcom based wireless cards, stick to hardware that is fully supported by Linux drivers.  I believe Atheros chipsets are well supported in Linux, but that's the only brand that comes to mind right now.

 Also, if the proper hardware is in the system, the end user should be able to install whatever distribution of Linux he/she would like.  Personally, I like Ubuntu and Opensuse, and have had too much trouble with Fedora.  Regardless of the distro, everyone has their taste and distros, so keep the focus on the hardware, and the software will work flawlessly (the magic of Linux).

BTW I'm not upgrading to Vista, I'm done with Windows operating systems.
 

Linux is not a alternative for Windows. I think Dell should focus on a way of selling computers without operating system.

Linux and Open-source software was a nice idea, but it can never work. Who would do good work for free? I wouldn't. Microsoft wouldn't

I have a E1505 with XP and soon to be Vista, i tried Linux and i didn't like it. None of the hardware worked, and overall it was't user freindly. I gave up.

Mr Dell, i think you shouldn't waste time with Linux, just look at Vista Home Premium and Ubuntu 6.10??? Let me think which one is better.... Areo interface...12,000 drivers...Microsoft Office...More secure than ever... Microsoft Windows...

Thank you.

Nick.

P.S

I tried Opensuse and Suse Enterprise 10, nothing worked.

Ubuntu ubuntu ubuntu.

The are not stuck with Linux is for nerds. I use their distro, and I am impressed, so are my children.

Pushing Ubuntu will only support the innovation need and urgency to deliver inside Ubuntu circles.
 

I said it before and I will say it again.

Open drivers. Currently that means:

a)Intel graphics card

b)A wireless card with open drivers ( AND firmware ) to go with it.

 

I would be satisfied with two options, first offering notebooks with openSUSE as an option of OS or offering notebooks with the option of no OS.

If you were to go with any distro other than SUSE please also offer the option for a K interface. 

grab the linux kernel, create your own linux distro "Dell Linux" for example !

base the linux operating system off of opensuse............

this way the operating system was built by dell and that fixes any support trouble :)

or simply deal with novell to handle os support issues, if support is paid it will not be any skin off there backs.

The biggest drive for Linux must be widen to include all major Linux distros on both business and consumer Dell computers. Most Linux users do not need a Dell solutions provider with specific expertise in any one distro. We want choices, not specialization. That is the driving force of Linux in both commercial and consumer applications.

Linux users, for the most part, are more than capable of troubleshooting their own Linux issues, provided Dell supports a wide range of distributions with hardware drivers. In that effort, I'd also encourage Dell to move away from their proprietary BTX path for Core 2 Duo PCs, and embrace whatever is relevant in the clone market. Linux is essentially an opposite of proprietary hardware and software.

If Dell is truly dedicated in offering Linux as a choice to its customers, you have to drop the entire monopolistic, proprietary approach in all areas of designing, marketing, and selling computers and computing devices.

In a open-minded world as the FLOSS world is, the idea to have a standard distro is incoherent.

I use CAELINUX and Quantian on my finite elements calculation unit but I never expect to see any of them on a standard offer by a large retailer.

I understand a company like Dell needs to have a ready out of the box product and I think you can innove with a specific (debian-based ??)  original distribution.

Why?

Because the FLOSS is so dynamic the standard distro's will change too quickly to follow it and to offer a up-to-date product on a large scale.

For you, just give a compatible hardware with a coherent and working application base. No matter if it's a bit obsolete. The "lambda" user will enjoy it, the geek will see the compatibility of the hardware (in the store) and rebuild the system as he wants (at home/company).

So, can Dell propose an original product with the quality of the FLOSS (stability, efficiency, pricing, ...) and the functionalities Dell wants to give.

The linux users can save the M$ tax and the FLOSS world can find a big hardware manufacturer to help newcomers to discover it. It seems to be a win-win challenge.

It doesn't matter to me what distro will be preinstalled. Anyway, if the default distro / options (partitionning, ...) and the like don't suit me when receiving my machine don't suit me, I'll reinstall the OS right away. Same at work where I already have a set of ready-to-run kickstart / PXE installs for everydays business needs.

So  to save time and budget I think Dell should give options to have a few distros preinstalled (ubuntu, fedora, ?) for home use, a few others for business use (ubuntu, red hat, suse), and even a "no os - leave my PC alone, but include a linux drivers CD" option for those who want to play with other distros and still get their hardware supported (yes, I have a few clients that want nothing but Linux From Scratch for some very particular needs...).

Very good initiative indeed, thanks Dell ! :-)

(BTW : I need a new home computer to run my Fedora... when can I expect to be able to order my new "Microsoft-tax"-free Dell PC ? Could you set a "release date" and advertise it on your site's home page ? Thanks !)

Good morning...

I have a Dell Inspiron 6400 laptop, I feel really good and happy  with it .  Honestly I was installed Gentoo 2006.1 and believe me my laptop rocks. In another hand I think SuSE if you don't have problems with Novell or Ubuntu if don't have problem with the diamonds explotation and slave of black people ( I have problems with that ) but the distribution is other thing... Debian is other GREAT distribution purely manteined by the comunity. Another important thing is the window manager, GNOME is good, XFCE is good, forget it about KDE. A better idea yet would be create your own linux distribution manteined by a comunnity with your support, Dell would be a kind of mentor for the people who develop that distribution.. only ideas...

Viva Linux, I hope to find my preferite Distro, Suse or PcLinux OS in your notebook or Desktop.

See you soon.

The latest Kubuntu (7.04) also holds great promise.

the way it install is genial and everyone can use it.

if there was but one distro : ubuntu or kubuntu would

be my preferred and id certainly but it preloaded.

Kubuntu is mu current OS at work.

I would appreciate very much the option to by a Dell Notebook with Kubuntu/Ubuntu or any relevant Linux distribution ( Fedora
Core, Debian, ... ).

Main gain here is having all the hardware supported under the Linux OS - Wireless Card, Grafics Card, etc.

 
If Dell does not come with this option in a decent time probably when it is time to go for a new laptop it will be MacBook ( becase of the hardware support they offer and the underlying OS - BSD Unix ). 

Same reasoning would go for Desktop systems.

Those are my two thumbs up for this idea becoming a reality.

Another option that would be beneficial IMHO . A Windows XP or Vista deployment with a Linux virtual environment. The huge benefit here is the opportunity to allow users who are unfamiliar with Linux the ability to discover, learn, and play with the environment while still maintaining a stable system for all their other activities. This will help to increase your market substantially as well as opens the door for more people to familiarize themselves with Linux.
I would restrict build to Fedora and/or openSUSE. If you implement this right, as the user becomes more experienced in the Linux environment, he/she can then experiment with the other flavors out there and once he/she finds a flavor to his/her liking, may look to purchase a pure Linux system meaning more dollars for you ;-)... I understand there are logistics to consider but you and I both know they are minimal  :-).

just my 2 cents.

I see a lot of comments on here regarding distros of choice, etc. However, let's just get right down to the nitty gritty, shall we?

Pick either openSuSE or Ubuntu. Maybe both.  As others have said, make absolutely sure that the hardware is supported in the kernel, natively. If it's supported well in one distro, you can pretty much bet its in the other.

 Here's the kicker. Ship the system with a few other distros on DVD's. Let people CHOOSE to A.) Buy 1 year of simple support for openSuSE or Ubuntu, or B.) Choose not to buy ANY support.  Note that option A should include codecs, and/or links to where to get them. Otherwise you get a buttload of unnecessary support calls.

 
End result for the bean counters? You get a lot of users who love you for offering the 2 most popular distros, supported. You get the kudos and support of the tech geeks who re-install a different distro every week just for the fun of it. Cost? minimal, with any luck. Outsource distro support to companies that specialize in it; ensure option A covers the cost.

Biggest line item cost for Dell? The time/labor required to verify hardware compliance with the kernels. Hire a couple of Linux geeks for that ;-)

You are making the right choice. Now be smart and offer multiple choices centered around a least-cost (to both you and your customers) option.