I had a similar experience. I felt like talking to somebody who did not have a clue and maybe did not care either.

A few days ago, I chatted online to Dell to inquire about buying a laptop with Ubuntu. Here are the full details of the chat. Seems they do not want to supply machines with Linux even though they advertise this. This is in breach of trading standards laws at least in the UK where I am based. Despite saying that they sell Ubuntu machines over the phone they do not: called them too and the agent I spoke to (somewhere in India) did not have a clue. It seems that MS have exerted pressure on Dell and Dell have succumbed. Session ID: 2277756 12:34:03 I am interested in a laptop but with Linux on it. Which models are available with Linux please? 12:34:53 You are now being connected to an agent. Thank you for using Dell Chat 12:34:53 Connected with raghava reddy varala 12:35:03 Agent Thank you for contacting Dell sales chat. This is Raghav, your Sales Advisor. Please give me a moment while I review your query. 12:38:13 Agent Hello 12:38:18 Agent How are you doing today? 12:38:43 Agent I am afraid we do not have any laptops with Linux operating system 12:40:50 Customer http://search.euro.dell.com/results.aspx?s=gen&c=uk&l=en&cs=&k=linux&cat=all&x=0&y=0 12:41:34 Customer According to your website you do. And I did buy one a couple of years ago, it was an XPS M1330 with Ubuntu on it. 12:41:59 Agent yes it is mentioned on the web site 12:42:04 Agent but we do not have any 12:43:59 Customer What a pity! Windoze is a nightmare, will have to look for another make. OR, do you refund the Windows tax before we go the small claims court or afterwards? 12:47:39 Agent We do not have such options 12:57:01 Customer OK then. Will go for HP. cheers 12:58:57 Agent ok 13:02:32 Agent Is there anything else that I may assist you with today? 13:03:08 System The session has ended!