why Dell's Linux laptop is more expensive than Windows' one?

by Forrest Sheng Bao http://fsbao.net

I found something that is really really incredible that Dell's Linux laptop with poor profile is more expensive than Windows one.

You can compare the configuration of Inspiron 1420N with Ubuntu Linux 7.10 and Inspiron 1525 with Windows Vista. I found that the memory of Windows one is 2GB and hard drive capacity is 160 GB, while the memory of Linux one is 1GB and hard drive capacity is 80 GB. Other configurations (CPU, GPU, etc.) are almost the same. But the price of Windows one is \$749 vs. \$754 of Linux one.

I don't care the "instant savings"(\$150 of Windows one). As a consumer, I just care the final price I need to pay. Plus the license fee of Windows Vista, why Linux laptop, with half memory and hard drive capacity, is more expensive than Windows one? Is there any "conspiracy" between Microsoft and Dell to drive users purchase Windows laptop through such price? Does Microsoft wanna make Linux has no price advantage in order to stop the Linux invasion to Windows market? Is this an improper method that even may violate the antitrust laws?

I want a Linux laptop, at least cheaper than the Windows one with same configuration of same brand. The reason is that Linux is free, on price.

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The default configuration of Inspiron 1420N with Linux(\$754) is:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5450 (1.66GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Ubuntu version 7.10
Anti-glare, widescreen 14.1 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
80GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
Integrated High Definition Audio

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The default configuration of Inspiron 1525 with Windows(\$749 after instant savings) is:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T5450 (1.66GHz/667Mhz FSB/2MB cache)
Genuine Windows ® Vista Home Premium Edition
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
Size: 160GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
CD / DVD Writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini-Card
No Webcam Option
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0