Only option really, atleast the next 10 years. Would be for MS to make such a stupid move it would get angry with the EU, and the EU angry with it. Before something like that happens, I doubt we gonna get a real alternative OS anytime soon.

The way i see it, if the same Dell computer is 200$ cheaper because there is not MS tax on it, then damn right i'll buy it and install a devilsown version of XP on it :)

Adi

This could be very nice. If they give their Linux-based laptops the same warranty coverage that they give their Windows-based laptops I would be sold. I had already planned on buying a used Dell or HP and installing Linux on it for College (since it would pretty well prevent me from gaming while in class, since there is hardly anything available game-wise (unless one uses Wine or similar product)).

A laptop that would have a damage-protection warranty would be nice for someone like me.

I am using ubuntu and think it's great Linux is gaining traction on the desktop. The problem for Dell is going to be user support, none of the Linux distributions are as familiar or as simple as Windows.

I also wonder if those who voted on IdeaStorm will in-turn front up with the cash. I suspect the idea will flop due to lack of sales, or people not being adaptable enough to cope with the OS.

Well, I haven't seen the survey in question (it has been taken down), but it is probably simple self-selection bias. If there's a survey that asks if you'd be interested in a system with Linux pre-loaded, people who want Linux are more likely to respond. People who don't give a crap about Linux will probably just ignore the survey altogether.

So having 70% of respondents say they'd use Linux isn't surprising to me at all.

IBM and HP did this before..flopped massively.

I do have to wonder...

Most people who are willing to use Linux in the first place probably aren't afraid to (or perhaps even prefer to) install their own OS.

Those answers sound like a bunch of Linux fans teamed up to spam that Dell survey.