IBM to preinstall Linux on ThinkPad range

IBM is launching Linux-based laptops aimed at computer professionals and other fans of the open source operating system (OS).

The company will be releasing ThinkPads running Caldera systems' OpenLinux 2.4 in the third quarter of this year.

Linux - traditionally seen as a Web server OS - has been struggling to gain acceptance as a suitable corporate desktop and laptop environment.

The hardware giant is also planning to release some of its small business applications for Linux.