Dell launches Ubuntu machines, Wal-Mart sales

As we reported a few days ago, today is the day that Dell begins offering machines pre-loaded with Ubuntu Linux. The XPS 410n, Dimension E520n and the Inspiron E1505n laptop will be available via Dell's online store at 4 pm CST today, at a price point of $599 for the Dimension and Inspiron and $899 for the XPS. That's bad news for folks who were hoping to get a break from the "Microsoft tax": while a Vista-sporting version of the E1505 is $100 more, the XPS is the same price with Vista and the E520 is more than $100 cheaper with Windows onboard. Dell is just getting started, however, so its only fair that we give them a bit to sort out this seemingly inexplicable pricing structure. All machines come with Dell's usual hardware support, though OS support is extra.

In other Dell news, the company also takes its first baby steps into the world of retail today, announcing that Dell machines are set to land in over 3,500 Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores in June. Dell is clearly doing what it can to reach out to consumers--be they Linux geeks or big box retail shoppers--that it has traditionally failed to interest, a strategy that the company is increasingly likely to lean on as it attempts to boost flagging sales.

For more on the new offerings from Dell:
- see the product page for Dell's Ubuntu offerings
- and this press release regarding Wal-Mart sales