From : http://www.nbr.co.nz/article/ibm-hp-release-microsoft-free-desktops-39241 

In a historic move, HP is releasing a mainstream business desktop that runs on Linux rather than Microsoft Windows.

…

“Until the US has determined if the demand is actually there we don’t want to add inventory burden to our channel,” says HP New Zealand product marketing manager Blair McKenzie.

Just go and take a look at how many of the Flash disk only, linux based netbooks at Dick Smith suddenly have WIndows XP on them!

FWIW best OS for your netbook is the new Windows Se7en CTP… runs like a rocket ship.