Why can't I buy a system with Ubuntu pre-installed on it?

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this question. When you browse or search for systems that are Certified, you will certainly encounter systems that are Certified for Pre-Install Only. This means that a partner has requested that Canonical create a custom engineered Ubuntu image for that one specific model. The intention is that the Certified system is to be sold to customers with that custom Ubuntu image installed at the factory.

However, Canonical has no control over where or when the Partner sells these systems pre-loaded with Ubuntu. In some cases, the pre-load may never see the street as Computer vendors constantly start and end projects and product lines. In other cases, the pre-install image may only be sold in certain markets or only in certain countries. In still other cases, the pre-install image may be for a specific engagement the Vendor has for a large scale deployment.

In any case, when and where a system is sold with Ubuntu pre-installed on it is entire in the control of the Partner who makes or sells the hardware. Canonical has no control over that, and therefore, we can not tell you where to purchase a specific system. We are working to resolve this ongoing issue, but it's a work in progress and will take time.

And last, but not least, we would like to suggest you to go to your local Ubuntu community, or ask the vendor directly for the Ubuntu pre-installed systems.