I found this on Slashdot. Dell has posted a Linux survey.
http://www.dell.com/linuxsurvey
Personally, I think it's a step in the right direction.

Same here I answerd the poll.

i did too, yes something is starting to move

Personally, I've never found a Dell I couldn't get Linux working on.
Some took some work, but got there eventually.

There is an XPS laptop (at work) on the desk next to me - but that's "out of bounds".
Damn - reckon I could get Gentoo to fly on that puppy.

cool. I'm working on a dell inspiron right now using fedora core 6... works like a charme

I have Ubuntu on my Dell XPS 400. The only things I could not get working were the Emuzed dual tv tuner card, and the remote control. Tried endlessly to get that to work and no such luck. Then I installed an old ATI tv tuner card, and wallah...TvTime with no effort whatsoever. I would like to see Dell support Linux OS's, that way they can do all the time consuming work getting it compatible with hardware. I enjoy tweaking my Linux desktop, coming up with neat scripts, but not so much getting my hardware to work...I work enough at work!

You're absolutely right- it is a step in the right direction. Furthermore, Dell has now committed itself to offer Linux. Backing out at this point would be a serious mistake.

BTW- Thanks for the link. I, too, answered the survey.

Cheers
Bill

I was trying to get gentoo on my XPS earlier this year but was unable to. Too bad could have used your help.But this show a problem noone has really considered. IF Dell or any P.C. manufacturer should offer pre-installed linux computers which distro(s) should be available.

I have also answered the survey.

I know someone that works for dell, and i think this is going to happen, and in my opinion it is going to be a great move in breaking Microsoft's ownership of the general market, create competition, resulting in better systems, with better options for less $$$,

I think we should all write an email to Dell explaining why we want a Linux option in addition to answering a poll. I did answer the poll and would encourage everyone else to do the same, but if you have time, send them an email. They could probably increase sales because linux is free and so they could sell the laptops cheaper which would appeal to college students.

It would be nice to have someone sell a computer pre-loaded with Linux other than those Lindows machines at Wal-Mart. With Vista's insane hardware requirements, this is the perfect opportunity for a company like Dell to take advantage of a market that doesn't want to spend lots of dollars upgrading their systems. Does my workstation at my office really need 2GB of RAM just to work on a spreadsheet... please...

I come from China. Yesterday I got a new Dell OPTIPLEX320 PC, it does not surprise me that I found RedFlag Linux in Dell's CD package. In China, if the PC sells with OS, it would get less tex than those selt without OS.

However, RedFlag Linux, all its desktops,windows,entries are as same as Windows XP. I'll never use such Linux distro.

I just followed the link you gave, and I get a page saying "The page you requested may no longer exist on Dell.com".