I just want to know if anyone knows exactly if ppl are actualy buying these new computers packed with linux. And I want to know if someone has one. Just a random question, but it was bugging me to know.

not in nottingham england there not.....
if you try to buy a computer without XP pre-installed they either..

1)look at you with a stupid face and inform you that the computer will not work without windowsXP !
2)look at you with a stupid face and assume you are planning to pirate a copy, and start blurting out copyright laws.

It seems linux isnt that popular in england. (ur the few that I've talked to that seem to have trouble finding software on shelves or in computers in england) :-/

I always enjoy going into a PC store and admiring a very nice laptop and then I say... I'll take that one.... But I want it with mandrake x (or whatever) preinstalled to make sure everything works, etc... Sorry, I don't want or need windows... No, ha ha, I'm not going to PAY for windows and then take it off... Oh well, I guess I'll buy one from elx or something...

I just like to see what ppl THINK of free. My friend keeps saying "would u rather have a 200 dollar program, or a free one?" hes trying to say that linux is just crap. Hes the type of person who makes an opinion on something that he doesnt even know. It pisses me off. But I rather let him THINK sp2 isnt getting viruses, cuz hes a smartass, and doesnt listen to anyone. U try to say linux is going to big in the market, hell say, "Nope. Cuz pcs are only packed with windows." Obviously he just says random bs that comes into his head, and this is why I wanted to know if ppl bought these pcs.

Linux is hard to sell preinstalled because everyone has there own fave version, so it's easier to just sell the PC OS free or people just buy the bits and build their own. If you sell a PC with mandrake then you know damn well the first guy in the door will want fedora or whatever

yup so true, problem in the US is all of the major pre-built manufactures (dell, hp/compaq, sony, etc) sell windows ONLY systems unless you are buying one of the IBM larger servers that comes with their linux/unix installed.

last time i tried to get Dell to sell me a small server (wanted dual xeon and a RAID5 SCSI setup, nothing major) they refused to sell it without windows 2000/2003 server preconfigured, and would not reduce the price to remove the OS.