Dell today announced two new laptops and two desktops in its Vostro range that will run Ubuntu Linux and are destined for emerging markets.

The two laptops, the A860 and A840, have had a facelift since earlier Vostro laptops and are apparently aimed at meeting the needs of small and medium-size enterprises, governments, and educational institutions in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

Destined, as they are, for “emerging markets” the A860 and A840 are low-spec machines – 1GB memory, Celeron processors – but with a lower price tag.

Both the desktops and the laptops will have a choice of Ubuntu Linux or Windows (Vista for laptops and XP for desktops).

The A100 Vostro desktop, interestingly, is built on Intel’s new Atom processor. The other desktop, the A180, will be available in a range of specifications and a choice of Windows or Linux.

Others talking about this include PCWorld, Engadget and Desktop Review.