Bringing Ubuntu-based consumer PCs to Europe, Dell plans to start selling a Linux desktop and notebook computer in the UK, France and Germany this Wednesday.

The Inspiron 6400n desktop computer will cost ₤329 and the Inspiron 530n notebook ₤399.

In addition to the open source operating system, the systems come bundled with the OpenOffice productivity suite as well as applications for email, instant messaging, organising photos and a browser.

Dell offers hardware and basic software support, including installation, network connectivity and configuration. Additional upgrade services and support can be purchased directly from Canonical, Ubuntu's corporate steward.

Dell started shipping its first Linux-based consumer PCs and notebooks in the US last May. Company executives declined to give out sales numbers for the systems, but pointed out that they wouldn't have expanded the consumer Linux programme if they weren't satisfied.

The computer maker had predicted that it would expand the offering internationally soon after the US launch. On Dell's IdeaStorm customer feedback website, an item requesting Ubuntu PCs worldwide has attracted more than 41,000 supporters.