At first, this company move took me by surprise. But now, I get the feeling that Microsoft selling laptops through it's corporate website was almost inevitable.

Not sure if other people have been to the website recently, but since October there has been an application on there to assist with buying new laptops. It included a little 'learn about laptops' tool that explained in simple terms how hard disks/ram/video cards/processors work and then, based on user preferences, suggested a range of laptops (from a list of "the best of the best" based on "reviews", something they don't really specify) and places to buy them (amazon.com, etc). Check out the laptop buying tool at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pc-...x?mode=landing
At that webpage, on the right, is the 'learn about laptops' tool. Now, the list of laptops is small (but the trusty Alienware M15x is there!), it is true, but it does include very popular laptops, despite an appalling lack of Ee-PC.

In business-thinking, moving from "suggesting products of companies smaller than yourself that are dependent on you and your software" and "selling those products yourself" is not a big step. I think this is the most important theme to take away from what's happening. Combating freeware can be seen as a reason for Microsoft to even more securely dominate the PC market. If Microsoft kicks-out third party freeware and starts selling their own 'signature' systems from their website, AND if they replace freeware with their own software, what incentive do consumers have to look at other computer company's websites and/or look for freeware online?

And just when Linux FINALLY made it's way onto the Dell website as an alternate operating system...