The disappearing Dell desktop Linux systems

This has happened in this past quite a bit - usually they replace it with something, after a long delay.

Even more disappointing to me - all the systems Dell has now cost as much or more then the equivalent Windows systems. I guess Dell is just pocketing what would otherwise go to Microsoft.

> ...usually they replace it with something, after a long delay.

The system they were offering was an Inspiron 537, which is no longer available in their list of desktops. So I suspect you are correct and they simply don't have a new system ready to replace the 537. However, this repeated disappearing act makes it clear that Linux desktop systems are an afterthought for Dell.

After about 30 minutes on hold, and going through two other people, I was finally able to reach a Dell sales person on the phone. He confirmed that the desktop system was no longer available, that he could not tell me when or if a new one would be available, and that he could not forward me to anyone who could. Perhaps there's a slim chance that some Dell spokesperson will see this thread and respond, but I'm not holding my breath.

I was hoping to buy a small form factor desktop system for my wife later this year to replace her current mid tower case system, but if Dell can't be counted on to have them available when I want to order, I'll be making other arrangements, possibly one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856167... with the proper components added.

Here's at least eleven Dell (U.S.) systems with various forms of Linux or FreeDOS preinstalled:

[url=http://www.dell.com/business/desktops?~ck=mn#subcats=&navla=80770~0~1791343&navidc=DT: Operating System&navValc=FreeDOS and Linux&a=80770~0~1791343]http://www.dell.com/business/desktops?~ck=mn#subcats=&navla=...[/url]

@jdixon

I'm sure that you have built your own before. I do not have plans to buy a desktop computer again. You get a lot of power for a lot less money, just the way you want it.

> Here's at least eleven Dell (U.S.) systems with various forms of Linux or FreeDOS preinstalled:

a) FreeDOS doesn't count. I was looking for a Linux system. b) They're all business machines, and not accessible from the Home and Home Office page.

Dell offers two laptops and one netbook on their Home and Home Office Linux page. Not a single desktop.

I have nothing against Dell's business class machines. We've used various Optiplex machines at work for the past 8 years or so, and they've been excellent machines with a very low failure rate. But they're not what your average home user is looking for.

Having Dell be the last, best hope for a big PC maker offering Linux preloads is not the most enviable position to be in. Where are Lenovo, HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba?

> I'm sure that you have built your own before.

Lots of times, but my wife really likes the small form factor Optiplex GX620 Dell we got from Intechra (http://www.intechraoutlet.com), and those are a bit more difficult to find and get components for. I was hoping to pick up a more modern system with Ubuntu preloaded for use as her primary system (the GX620 is her Windows system for playing games). My normal source (http://www.mwave.com) doesn't supply small form factor cases for their bare bones systems. That's why I'm considering the MSI from Newegg. It looks to be a good system, and it looks like it's even smaller than the Dell SFF cases.

> Where are Lenovo, HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba?

MIA. Our should that be AWOL? At least Dell is still offering laptops.