Usually, Linux’s lack of licensing costs compared to Windows makes for a much cheaper on option on pre-built PCs and laptops. That, and its efficiency and highly configurable UI options means that it’s taken a firm hold in the world of netbooks – those small, low-powered highly portable laptops designed for simple web surfing tasks that we all love so dearly.

However, if you live in the UK and you’re interested in the Linux version of Dell’s highly desirable Mini Inspiron, you might not be getting such a good a deal after all, reports The Register today. You see, while the Windows-equipped edition does cost extra, it’s only £30 extra, and mysteriously it also comes with a 1.3MP webcam (compared to the Linux version’s 0.3MP) and a 16GB SSD, which is double the size of the unit in the Ubuntu-equipped flavour.

That sort of kit seems worth a lot more than that extra £30 asking price, and in that case, where does the cost of the Windows license come from? Is this some kind of Microsoft conspiracy, or is there more to this than meets the eye?

I guess we’ll find out in due course.

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