Dell has confirmed rumors that they will be offering desktop and notebook PC’s pre-installed with the Linux operating system. Details are still hazy on what models will be integrated into the Linux plan and to which Linux distribution will be available for installation, but those details are promised to be cleared up in the coming weeks.

No word yet on whether the Linux installed computers will be cheaper then the Windows installed PC’s, but since many Linux distributions are based on open source and free software, we imagine the price would show as fit. Contrary to Vista, Linux also come with pre-loaded package installers with many free applications. — Andrew Dobrow

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IGN surprisingly announced the PS3 as the 2006 console of the year, beating out the Wii for the head spot. Many of you might be infuriated or elated depending on your opinions of each respected console, we all know everyone has their own opinion. So let’s see how IGN clarifies their situation.

Nintendo’s Wii launched to massive mainstream applause and a lot of hope has been placed in the potential for gaming innovation via the console’s unique controller. Nintendo disappointed some, however, by choosing not embrace HDTV or to compete with Sony and Microsoft in processing power. The Wii can’t even play normal DVDs.

Judging the consoles based upon a broad perspective that includes software now available and coming in the future an entirely different argument could be formulated. However, from a hardware perspective, the PS3 is by far the more interesting console. Though the launch software hasn’t blown anyone away, the 360’s launch titles were equally unimpressive, and the system will certainly mature. Sony’s embrace of the PS3 as a computer rather than just a console, and the availability of supported Linux distributions for the console will also develop and will likely bear entirely unexpected fruit in future.

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