To me, it seems like Linux is a lot more accepted in Europe than it is here in the US. The reasons likely vary from area to area, but if HP tried something like its offering with the customized notebooks in the US, I might change that original thought that I had about Linux being readily accepted here in the states.

Chicago (IL) - Hewlett-Packard (HP) offers its notebook customers in Europe the option to choose a customized Linux version for its products. The Ubuntu distribution is specifically designed to support the hardware used in HP notebooks.

HP has been offering Linux somewhat quietly for quite a while for users, who prefer open source software over the regular pre-installed Windows. However, the program announced in North America in February of 2005, is only available through HP’s “Factory Express” site. Corporations and individuals can use the service to choose Windows, Linux (such as RedHat), or HP UX 11i as the operating system (OS) for their new device. [Read the rest]