Would have been easier for them to allow people to say no to Windows when they buy the laptop, rather than do polls and other stuff.<p>I would be interested in:
a) easier windows refunds and
b)GNU-Linux compatible specs.
If I want a high-powered computer to run desktop Linux I go for HP. They certify and rigorously test a subset of their desktop systems to fully support Linux:<p><a href="http://h20338.www2.hp.com/enterprise/cache/321143-0-0-0-121.html" rel="nofollow">http://h20338.www2.hp.com/enterprise/cache/321143-0-0-0-121....</a>
As much as I admire Alienware computers' design, craftsmanship, speed, etc., and as much as I appreciate the company's interest in linux, I hardly think there's any sense in Alienware linux-based computers, since they're designed for gaming and gaming only.
I love alienware products very much. Their sheer no-compromise attitude to build the best gaming pc's is known through the world. I personally feel that they should enter linux market by manufacturing specific products, for ex something on the lines of google cr-48 chrome notebook. There is lot of scope in this area and personally as a hacker/programmer I know what kind of hunger we are in. Also a lot of customizations can be done on linux desktops & laptops which the traditional companies like sony,lenovo,ibm,apple don't offer.
//(There is lot to talk, but i think i made all my important points)\\<p>So I hearty welcome their interest in knowing our interest, but will be seriously disappointed if they didn't enter this market. :)
If you're paying $2-3K for an Alienware machine, you might as well fork over $99 for a Windows OEM.<p>Edit: A link to the actual survey<p><a href="http://www.alienware.com/Surveys/AlienSurvey.aspx?Id=29607129825" rel="nofollow">http://www.alienware.com/Surveys/AlienSurvey.aspx?Id=2960712...</a>