Dell is offering Dimension ‘n’ series computer systems with no operating systems preinstalled. In fact the hard disk is not even formatted. Only software that comes with the system is a copy of open source FreeDOS.

The Dell sites states:

“Are you looking for a desktop on which you can run Linux^® or other open-source operating systems? Look no further!

Dell’s new open-source n Series desktop solution provides customers with a Dimension^TM E520, E521 or C521 desktop without an installed or included Microsoft^® operating system. With the n Series desktop, customers have the flexibility to install an alternative operating system (such as a version of Linux^® ), and help reduce the price of this system. In addition, the n Series desktop comes with a non-formatted hard drive ready for your custom installation. Dell’s n Series desktop ships with a copy of FreeDos^TM , an open-source operating system that is ready to install.”

And also:

“Note: Dell does not support non-Dell installed operating systems.”

What is also interesting is that these are not stripped down systems. Starting a $624 to $749 as of this writing, these are very full featured. The cheapie even comes with a 19″ flat panel. One thing that is strange, though the system does come with sound, no speakers are included. I’ve seen this before on Dell computers. I once had a client who ordered a complete system from dell including printer and scanner to the tune of $1500 plus, and no speakers were included. They were extra.

My only question? I would venture a guess that Dell will have drivers available for Linux. Anyone know for sure? No mention is made on the Dell site that I could find. But I did locate one posting on a forum that indicated that this would in fact will be the case.
[tags]dell, dimension, linux, n series, linux, [/tags]