HP next to roll out home Linux PCs?

HP will likely be the second major PC builder to offer Linux systems to everyday users after Dell, according to multiple sources within HP speaking to eWeek. Citing the sudden interest in Linux for the mainstream in the wake of Dell's offering, contacts at both HP and Ubuntu Linux creator Canonical say that a deal is underway which would preload Ubuntu on at least one home system. The unnamed model may even appear at retail instead of Dell's only-only strategy, reports one source. Strong evidence of HP's support is said to come through a 5,000-system contract for the University of Delhi and the buyout of Neoware, a thin-client PC that relies on Linux.

None of the alleged insiders are willing to commit to a release date, though the online magazine notes that a release is most likely to occur at LinuxWorld, which begins August 6th in San Francisco. The Ubuntu desktop would be accompanied by a pro equivalent with Novell's SuSE 10 Enterprise edition. Notebooks, international launches, and prices remain unknown.