Linux-Powered Dells Begin Shipping

Dell began offering three systems with Ubuntu Linux installed on Thursday, in response to wide customer demand for such systems. The original plan to offer Linux surfaced in March, after 100,000 customers told the company through its IdeaStorm, a Web site designed to gauge customer's wants and needs from its systems. The three systems are: the XPS 410n and Dimension E520n desktops, as well as the E1505n notebook.

Starting prices for the E520n and E1505n notebook is $599, while the XPS system retails for $849. Hardware support will be provided by Dell, although it said it would refer software support questions to the Dell Community Forum. Fee-based software support will be offered, however. "To the worldwide Linux community, I wanted to thank you for all your support," Digital Media Manager Lionel Menchaca said.