Over the past few days there have been some rumors that Dell is dropping Ubuntu-based systems. Seeing as Dell was one of the first OEM to start offering laptops and desktops with Ubuntu pre-installed and that is the largest outfit by far to do so, it would have been quite a blow for the community.

But, while 'Dell no longer sells Ubuntu laptops’ makes for a great headline, it’s not exactly true. In fact, Dell is expanding its offering with the first desktop system available for quite a while and has started shipping systems with Ubuntu 10.04. However, it has stopped selling Ubuntu machines in its UK online shop.

Recently, Dell has stopped offering Ubuntu laptops and desktops in its UK online store. This was the source of all the doomsday scenarios. But Dell says it’s just part of a website restructuring. The company says it wanted to simplify the options customers had online, “focusing on [Dell’s] most popular bundles and configuration options, based on customer feedback for reduced complexity and a simple, easy purchase experience.” What Dell isn’t saying but is easy to make out is that Ubuntu systems weren’t that popular on the site so the decision was made to drop them.

There is a market for Linux computers in the UK, though, which is why Dell is still selling them over the phone. But they’re gone from the website and there doesn’t seem to be any plans to bring them back any time soon. Dell says that the people buying Ubuntu machines are typically more advanced users. Basically, what the company is saying is, if you really want one then work for it.

There are some good news coming from Dell though, the company has recently expanded its Ubuntu offering. It has now started selling its Studio XPS 7100 desktop pre-installed with Ubuntu, a more powerful machine than the Inspiron line it offered before. It also marks the first time Dell has offered Ubuntu 10.04 out of the box. Other systems come with Ubuntu 9.10 and even Ubuntu 9.04. Seeing as any of them can be easily upgraded to the latest version, it’s not much of an inconvenience for users. In conclusion, Dell is not dropping Ubuntu, at least not in the foreseeable future, but a clearer and more focused strategy from the OEM giant would be nice.