Dell brings bundled Linux PCs to UK

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Dell today launched two new machines in its Inspiron PC range, both of which will come with Ubuntu 7.04 Linux pre-installed, the first products to be made available outside the US as part of the company's efforts to appeal more to open source supporters.

And, although the Inspiron 6400n and the Inspiron 530n are consumer machines, Dell hasn't ruled out the possibility of a Linux-flavoured desktop and notebook portfolio for business users in Europe too.

"Dell will continually evaluate the opportunity to offer Linux on other systems. Further updates will be provided when there are definitive plans," said Dell is a statement after IT PRO asked the company to comment on what this Linux-friendly drive meant for businesses.

Today's announcement is in response to user demand, much of it voiced on Dell's customer feedback website IdeaStorm. Some 30,000 people visited the site and expressed their desire for a pre-installed Linux option to choose from and more than 100,000 users took part in a survey to help determine specific customer preferences as to what form the offering would take if it came into fruition.

"Dell is continuing to deliver on our commitment to give customers what they're asking for - the option of choosing Linux as their operating system," said Charlie Tebbs, consumer marketing director for Dell in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). "As we hear from customers throughout Europe and around the world, we will continue to explore the opportunities to expand our offerings globally, so stay tuned."

The new PCs are available from tomorrow and will cost £329 and £399 including VAT for the 6400n and 530n respectively.

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