I'm not sure about being cheaper without the Microsoft tax. A few months ago, I was browsing a variety of netbook models and found no significant discounts for

I'm not sure about being cheaper without the Microsoft tax. A few months ago, I was browsing a variety of netbook models and found no significant discounts for Linux. Dell actually charged more for Ubuntu than XP on one model. I think the reason is all the bundled trial software; they make enough money from the bundling to offset the Windows license and maybe even make a little profit. I think this, more than any pressure from Microsoft, cooperative marketing or lack of user demand is the reason PC manufacturers are reluctant to offer Linux and make it hard to find when they do.