Yesterday, my roommate bought a new desktop computer from Dell. As soon as he finished to install it, I noticed the Google Desktop logo on the desktop. I’m sure he didn’t download it as he’s not connected to the Internet yet.

It may seem that Google partnered with Dell (maybe with other computer manufacturers) in order to get information about their users. We know that MSN is going to use the information stored on their users computers in order to deliver personalized/targeted results.

But what about Google? They sure don’t manufacture computers and thus, if the users don’t download the Google Desktop tool, it would be hard for Google to get precious information about them.

What if the tool was already pre-installed so that they maximize the number of people who use it? Well, it seems like that’s what they are doing with Dell. Dell is sure selling a lot of computers and Google must be delighted to see all these people get the Desktop tool by default, without having to download anything.

I tried to find any article about an eventual partnership of Google with Dell, but really didn’t find anything.