Dell has just introduced two new Ubuntu-based models - Inspiron 1420N notebook (beginning at $774) and Inspiron 530N desktop ($449). The latter one replaced Dimension E520n.

The notebook looks more interesting. First of all, it looks like Dell is trying to allow more customizations, starting with... colors. My sister's ecstatic and I'm... well... the fact that I'm even writing about such an irrelevant thing must mean that I'm spending way too much time around her. Anyway, if you care what's on the other side of the screen, you may choose Alpine White, Espresso Brown, Ruby Red, Midnight Blue, Spring Green, Flamingo Pink, Sunshine Yellow. Apparently, black paint is $20 cheaper, though... .

1420N features Santa Rosa processors. The default one is T5250 (1.5GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache).

On the graphics front, your choice has shrunk to just one position. While E1505N may come with either Intel GMA 950 or nVidia GeForce Go 7300, 1420N comes with Intel GMA X3100. I'm having mixed feelings here - on one hand more choice is good, but on the other I like seeing proprietary drivers being left out of the picture. The 14.1 inch display sports a maximum resolution of 1280x800 (WXGA) by default. Making it glossy is free, but pushing the resolution to 1440x900 (WSXGA) costs $50.

Fun with RAM starts at 1GB (667Mhz) and can be upgraded to either 1.5 (for $75), 2GB ($150), or 4GB for... $1000. Unfortunately, Dell failed to mention shipping rates to mental institutions. Hard drive choices are quite different from E1505N. While default is the same (80GB, 5400 RPM), you have an option of going with 160 GB / 7200 RPM hdd but don't have as many options in the middle.

An option to have bluetooth ($20) is something new, but the rest of those "less important" options are what makes me wonder if we're going to have more choices in the (near) future. Wireless card, webcam and sound card tabs are there, but they contain only one option. Are they there because they'll be expanded or because someone was too lazy to remove them?