The boxed Ubuntu is also a laugh. It sits on a shelf surrounded by other boxed software that isn’t compatible with it, and says so right on the back of the box. Get real.

I’m not convinced this was a good move by Canonical. People typically do not upgrade their OS anymore, they buy a new computer with the OS preinstalled. Many pre-Vista machines don’t even meet the minimum requirements to upgrade. Linux has progressed to a point where it is unquestionably easier to install than Windows. Native hardware support may be roughly equal (I would argue linux has better out-of-box hardware support actually) but there is still a lot of peripherals not supported by linux, whereas Windows drivers can still be installed from the manufacturer’s cdrom. I imagine right now there are already frustrated users being told, by whomever offers the 60 day tech support, that their printer or webcam does not have any linux kernel driver available. How many of these people will continue using Ubuntu or give GNU/Linux a second chance in the future, given the sour first impression they had?

I think it makes more sense for Ubuntu to partner closely with an existing hardware manufacturer and produce something marketed as a joint effort. The only way they could feasibly do a “Canonical PC” is to rebrand someone else’s whitebox systems, so why not give that company a little credit too (and have it take responsibility for the hardware)?

I honestly would have considered buying laptop from them.

Point is, good user experience comes from well integrated stack: hardware - OS - software. Perfection can be reached only when you do all the parts by yourself.

Profit here probably would be marginal. Most important aspect of Apple Stores, people often disregard (esp. Wintel users), is feedback the stores provide back to Cupertino. The stores are first launchpads for many products and ideas. They are also only place where you can see first impression of person who never used your system.

Problem with Dell partnership is that, when problem occurs, you never know root of problem: is it problem of particular Dell design decision? it it problem of Ubuntu design decision? or it is general Linux problem?

Another point shouldn’t be dismissed: Ubuntu brand recognition. I think that can help to capitalize on such Ubuntu Stores.

But just like they partnered with valuesoft for the Ubuntu Discs, they should partner with other vendors.

I think System76 and/or zareason are more than competent for this task.

Other vendors like Everex and Sylvania seem to be already doing very good with their own ubuntu derivative
http://www.thinkgos.com/