The systems are available today from Dell web sites in the UK, Germany and France and, like the first US models, are aimed at enthusiast users rather than large or small businesses.
The European launch includes the Inspiron 6400n laptop and Inspiron 530n desktop models, with the latter also available running Ubuntu in the US. While the US line-up also includes the Inspiron 1420n and XPS 410n systems, neither of these are currently available in Europe.
Initial support for the European models is available via Dell’s community Linux forum, while Canonical, the sponsor of the Ubuntu Linux project, provides additional support services at a price.
UK pricing for the Ubuntu-based machines indicates that users will not be making the savings they might think given there are no software licensing costs related to the Ubuntu operating system.
The base price for the 6400n is GBP329 including tax and delivery, compared to GBP359 for a basic configuration running Vista Home Basic. Meanwhile the base configuration of the 530n running Ubuntu is GBP399, the same standard price as a basic configuration running Vista Home Basic. The Vista configuration is currently on offer at GBP359, however.
