Kernels from PC makers

[jonantice]

This will probably never happen because of market share and all, but...
If computer companies like Dell, Compaq, etc. were to sell PC's with a linux distribution already installed or ready to be installed, how much sense would it make for them to include their own kernel customized for the specific hardware and include modules of anything that might be used in the future? I may even pay a little extra for that!
Would it (a customized kernel) provide better performance? I know many people can compile their own kernel but if the pc maker knows what their selling they should be able to do it themselves. They could just compile one kernel per model they sell right?

[onlinebacon]

Well, considering dell wont even ship linux then there wouldnt be much of a chance of them making their own kernels.

There isnt much point in this, people can expand their hardware, add more cards and such. This would make a lack of support for other hardware.

[MikeTbob]

Well, considering dell wont even ship linux then there wouldnt be much of a chance of them making their own kernels.

There isnt much point in this, people can expand their hardware, add more cards and such. This would make a lack of support for other hardware.

I think Dell actually is considering selling Pc's with GNU/Linux now, see here. http://www.dell.com/content/topics/g...p/linux?s=corp

And in my opinion, new software like Kudzu, makes it possible to detect new hardware on bootup. I think getting the actual proprietary drivers that would be required would be the real problem.