Seems to me that Dell's position is a reasonable one. If they choose not to "support" linux installs/software then that just provides an opportunity for others to step up and provide that support. If things go well, Dell could conceivably partner with LinuxGeeks.com (I just made that name up) or whomever, and the need will be met. I guess the other interesting thing would be how agressively Dell will choose to market/advertise their Linux capable boxes. I know a guy at work who just bought an emachines PC for the specific purpose of putting linux on it and getting up to speed. I think a national advertising campaign by Dell centered around Linux might generate a lot of buzz if it was cleverly done (could they use Penguins? Or is that somehow protected?).