Will Alienware Ship Linux-Based PCs?

Alienware, the PC manufacturer known for their high-end gaming notebooks and desktops, has been evaluating the business opportunity in providing a Linux OS option for some of their products. Phoronix reader Ahmad Yasser had contacted us to remind the Linux community that Alienware is running a Linux-based system survey to "gauge the level of interest consumers like you have in buying a new computer that features a Linux-based operating system." This survey isn't brand new but had first appeared a few months back. The questions consist of whether you're a current Alienware customer, whether your interest is in notebooks or desktops, would Alienware be appealing with a Linux-based OS, reasons for choosing Linux over Microsoft Windows, the likelihood of purchasing a Linux-loaded Alienware PC, and related questions.

If Alienware does eventually go through with this Linux support, we'd bet Ubuntu as the premiere distribution. Alienware is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dell, which of course has a passionate relationship with Canonical and shipping Ubuntu on notebooks and desktops. We do know that Dell is indeed advancing their Canonical-Ubuntu relationship.

Alienware has been quiet on the Linux front for the past few months. Perhaps they are preparing Linux-based PCs or -- like the Ubuntu Free Software Laptop -- is being postponed until the market-share is greater? We're waiting on a response from Alienware, but in the meantime, tell us what you think about the possibility of Linux-loaded Alienware PCs in the Phoronix Forums.