While Dell has already begun selling computers without an operating system under the "n-Series" lineup, at that time there were no plans to offer systems with Linux preinstalled. However, the presence of a Linux-oriented survey on Dell's website requesting opinions from Linux users seems to hint that the "free-as-in-speech" operating system is closer than many would think.

The survey gives Linux users the chance to weigh in on issues ranging from language preferences to the preferred Dell system lineup they'd most like to see with a factory-installed Linux distribution; and in a surefire way to get opposing camps riled up and firing scathing blog entries at each other, asks the ultimate loaded question:

   "Which Linux distribution should Dell prioritize on?"

The comments are already piling up on the Direct2Dell company blog, where over a hundred users posted (mostly) well-worded arguments in favor of a particular distribution.

Another point discussed up is the hardware. NVIDIA and ATI have come under fire from hardcore Linux enthusiasts for not providing GPL-compliant drivers for their 3D hardware.   Some Dell forum members hope pressure from a major OEM such as Dell could put a little more leverage on hardware vendors to release open sourced drivers - others simply call for the use of GPL-supported hardware only, such as Intel graphics controllers.

The survey runs from March 13^th to the 23^rd 2007.