Dual OS and Dual cpu to reduce boot time and power usage? What if my email uses Outlook, or I need access to proprietary software - Wine doesn't offer 100% application support (I'm assuming Wine is how the linux os is hosting user apps).

Why doesn't Windows just support a quick low-power boot that gives you a stripped down desktop and access the the HD?

I will not buy a Dell now, how dare they make it so easy for Gov't thugs to invade my computer. I guess our only hope would be to unplug completely, also what's to stop a hacker from getting in now!!!

It seems to me that notebooks and netbooks are the best chance for Linux to really gain ground on Windows and Mac OS. Laptops are becoming special use PCs(secondary PCs) for most. Internet, e-mail, office apps...that's about it. In an age where Apple has made no apologies about controlling every aspect of a users experience, Linux offers regular OEMs an OS that they can configure as they wish, without the bloat of a full-fledged OS. Companies like Asus and Acer are spitting out netbooks with Linux OSes that don't have to, and aren't trying to replace windows or mac os. I love it. I wouldn't be suprised to see MS and/or Mac offer a streamlined/energy efficient OS for portable PCs with an interface that has more in common with a cellphone than a desktop.

With that said, my mobo has been able to play mp3s without an OS for years and I've never used it once.

basically sell you 2 computers...and you use mini when you don't do much and boot up big guy when you need them...however...the cost is still there.
Who in the office will just check email? they all have to work and connect to coperate softwares to do their electronic paperwork. basically mini will never get to see day light...
Dell, need some smarter people that knows how business works....please tell the tech design team to go visit their accounting department and have a sit in to see how they work.
morons.

Dell is developing own software (mini-OS) and it is pretty stupid for hardware manufacturer. They are definetely going to lose even more market share. Other companies (like Samsung I believe) just partnering for such purposes with software makers (like Microsoft).

This is really great in my opinion. I can't count the number of times I need to power on my computer just to check my email or print a map. Instant boot would really be nice for those situations. There is way too much negativity on this message board. My guess is that the Microsoft guys got bored during lunch and starting bashing this idea. Linux is finally creeping into the mainstream market. What happens when people get comfortable using Linux? Oops! They might ask for it when they go to Best Buy. Scary, right?

lets be honest here.
Linux is not growing in desktop or laptop market at all. They have to compete with privated windows and xps that sold for a dollar a piece.
the only thing linux is growing is on server market replacing unix, solaris....that's why you see sun and AIX market share goes down while NT server market share didn't go down.
Basically linux is replacing unix...for the unix admin and unix/linux knowledgable people....
for regular fokes that barly knows how to browse and do office documents, they won't choose linux.
pricing is not really a big difference....
a $50 o/s on a $500/$1000 laptop is nothing.
you don't save much money and you save yourself a lot of driver headaches.
of course if you are a unix/linux user.....then you like to play with config files etc etc... doing command prompt stuff...then linux is for you.
For me, I don't like seeing rows of scripts rolling up my screen when it got executed and hates the vi editors...

I think it is a good idea, especially for someone on the move a lot.

Of course there have to be the obligatory nonsense comments about Linux config files, vi editors, blablabla. The netbooks and this instant-on technology are proving that you haters have no clue. As people use these technologies more and more, people will see how easy it is to be productive without Microsoft. And that all this FUD from the haters is just that: FUD.

Linux is surely growing, including on the desktop.

We're not "hate'n" on linux. In fact I use linux for my home network's file and print sharing.

The problem is with the dual os scheme. If the laptops ran only linux fine, or if they quick-booted into Windows fine, but having to use both doesn't make a lot of sense. I imagine this will cause more confusion for the average user then it will help.

I've got a better idea. Why I don't I use the extra money that I'd be using to pay for expensive hardware to buy more batteries that I can carry around as spares?

I don't think most folks who use this will be in the average user classification. For someone who is reasonably tech savvy, this will probably be a very useful feature.