If company does what customers want, then computers would cost nothing.

It's probably due to few hard core Linux users but I can't stop laughing. Pre-installed Linux computer is the most popular idea on the Dell Ideastorm site. Via slashdot.

I've tried to buy a desktop or laptop with Linux pre-installed from Dell and HP few years ago. I thought if I don't have to pay the Windows tax, then I can get a cheap computer ($50-$70 OEM license fee off from $400 desktop). However Dell's Linux machines were actually expensive than one with Windows. HP's website clearly showed Linux laptop were available for purchase online, but I wasn't able to find it. Even the HP costumer service from online chat didn't even know they had a Linux laptop for sale. Later I founded out that the company get some kick-back if they installed third-party softwares: shareware, lightware, and bunch of more craps that only slow downs the computer. I've doubt that Dell will sell Linux preinstalled computer with $50-$70 discount. My guess is that if they do sell it, then it will be expensive than Windows since they will charge for Linux support stuffs.

Why don't they just sell computer with no software installed. Only comes with driver CD. The most people that I know asks friends and coworker for computer problem.