Alienware is currently “trying to gauge the level of interest consumers like you have in buying a new computer that features a Linux-based operating system” through a short (~3 min) survey. The more manufacturers that embrace Linux, the more popular it becomes and the better hardware support we all get, so why not help out?
not on an overpriced alienware rig.
Why is there no option for a empty system where I can install whatever I want?
Agreed – a system certified for Linux compatibility would be nice, but no matter what OS they out on it, it’s going to get wiped immediately so that I can put my own customised setup on it.
Certainly no, but wonder why it is even an option?
It’s more profitable to sell a computer running Windows with lot of crapware pre-installed than to sell a computer running Linux, where there’s no crapware to help the vendor making money to date.
Plus, add up extra customer support costs and things like that, and actually they could justify selling Linux computers under a higher price tag.
Edited 2011-01-25 11:27 UTC
Alienware makes primarily gaming machines. I don’t see how a Linux strategy works for them. It would be nice to buy the machine without an OS.