Nearly every UMPC sold today comes with two options: Linux or Windows. Windows is all pretty much the same. It is almost always the standard Windows interface with no UMPC-specific customization. The Linux, on the other hand, tends to fit into two categories. Some are similar to Windows, in that the interface is that of a standard Linux distro and not customized for the UMPC form-factor, while others are highly locked down and highly customized for UMPCs. The problem is that at one end of the spectrum you have something highly customizable that you can do a lot with, but the interface is less than ideal. On the other end, you have something with a good interface, but very locked down potential. Ubuntu’s Netbook Remix is the best of both worlds. And it is about to get a chance to shine on Dell’s upcoming UMPC.

Ars Technica has just reported that Dell’s new UMPC will run, for the Linux option, Ubuntu. While it is not confirmed, this means that it is very likely they will choose the Netbook Remix. Assuming this is the case, it will be Linux’s, and Ubuntu’s, first chance to really shine on a UMPC.

Up till now, Linux’s UMPC advantages have mostly been Windows’s disadvantages - speed, security, and cost. This is simply not the case with Ubuntu’s Netbook Remix. It has a slick, smart user interface combined with all the power of (and the option of using) the standard interface.

If Dell and Canonical handle this well, Dell’s name and marketing combined with Canonical’s software stand to take Linux a step furthur into the mainstream. I just hope they include Compiz.

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