In my opinion, Linux will always be Linux and Windows will always be Windows. Afterall, let's step back here a second. Linux was not originally designed with a GUI. While I'm sure that the GUI's could really use some major improvements, the core of Linux remains a reliable and secure piece of software. Trying to sell Linux with pre-packaged pc's will never make sense, because you can just as easially download it and run a dual-boot. Why would you buy a brand new system with a piece of software that's redially available? Tell me why that makes sense? Who is Dell trying to appeal to? Linux will always remain Linux Windows will keep morphing itself until we simply can't recognize it anymore. It takes a lot to change. »

I don't know what it is about Dell. Maybe it's the fact that almost 98% of calls I get to "tune" and "repair" a client's pc for some odd reason always turns out to be a Dell... I mean not that this is a bad thing for business mind you. Keep pumpin out those Dell's with boat-loads of trialsoftware and an infinite number of startup processes. It's good for business. The reason I will never buy a Dell: I don't trust a company that is pouring thousands of dollars into creating the cheapest systems possible. That's a recipe for utter and total disaster. I'm sure Dell's business clients probably get a whole lot more respect and reliability then we do. The bottom line: build your own. Stop taking the easy way out. Let me remind you. Some of the benefits of building your own... YOU KNOW what's in the box. YOU KNOW how much it cost you. YOU KNOW how and where to get drivers. YOU KNOW your way around your hardware. YOU DON'T with some other brand, not least of which is Dell. Putting Ubuntu on a Dell PC sounds like a wolf that just has better sheep's clothing, or is probing for the "stragglers" that can't decide whether it's worth the money. I don't think it will ever be. Did you ever think about the fact that Dell is most likely using "wholesale motherboards"? If that doesn't scare you and you're still handing over your dough, something is wrong. »