Wall Street Journal on Linux

The WSJ looks at the state of Linux on the desktop. At least we agree that there is a place, if not every place. The story also hints at HP and Dell's possible entry into the pre-configured Linux box marketplace:

Whether Linux gains a stronger footing in PCs depends partly on whether PC makers start supporting it more strongly. To date, neither Dell Inc. nor Hewlett-Packard Co. have offered PCs preloaded with Linux. But Dell has been soliciting input from its customers to help guide its plans for Linux -- which some industry observers say could lead the company to start making Linux PCs. Today Dell will start a formal survey on its Web site to determine what Linux products and support customers want, says Bob Pearson, a Dell spokesman.

"We're certainly listening to the comments very closely and trying to determine what we should be doing with the [Linux] community longer term," Mr. Pearson says.

HP says it has recently signed deals -- on an ad hoc, custom basis -- to provide Linux PCs to large customers. Some industry observers expect H-P to detail further plans in coming months for supporting Linux on PCs, although an H-P spokeswoman said the company isn't ready to discuss future plans for Linux PCs.