Given that not everyone can "install" an OS, and somehow deal with the hardware issues, PC makers are able to offer such low prices (yes they are) on powerful PC's IF they can sell them to everyone, most of whom are not able to install...etc. Volume = a chance at profit. So, all these people buying 3 GB Dual Core 256 MB video 320 GB HDD machines want (and expect) only one thing, that it "boot up to a graphical desktop" that is ready for them to use. So Microsoft still has the market for OEM installs sewed up, we get Vista. Not to bad, really, we get extra-powerful machines for under a grand, to "install linux" on. Hard drives so big we can "dual boot". (Anyone here dual booted Ubuntu 8.04 and Vista?) I dual boot my Knoppix Remaster and Ubuntu 7.10. (I like XMMS for some reason, so I'm sticking with 7.10) Actually, I can triple-boot, from a menu, into my Knoppix Remaster running from a USB drive, from the HDD, or Ubuntu from the HDD. The average buyer of PC's is not going to want to figure out how I do that. They want their OS, that "came with the computer" to just boot up to that expected graphical desktop. With a nice wallpaper. Now, if we want a PC preloaded with Linux, same thing applies, only the average buyers expect "lower prices" still. The manufacturers go along with that, and use "odd processors" that don't have the familiar Intel Inside sticker, or at least an AMD one. Also, forget the 3 GB of RAM. Sure, if you look around in the Dell website, you can find a powerful computer with Ubuntu on it. I just lied. I have not actually found it, or at least one that stayed with Ubuntu throughout the "Build it" process. Also, are there a few obscure PC builders out there that have a dual boot Windows/Linux machine to sell? I saw one once upon a time. Considering the "livecd" OS, the Dell Inspiron line can easily run Ubuntu 8.04, connect wirelessly, and have the desktop screen resolution done right also. Does not affect your Vista install, I tested it. The average PC buyer probably won't do that, but if Vista refuses to boot one day, that is a temporary solution.