That does tend to be annoying. A lot of times certain hardware configurations aren't offered, even though there are mature drivers for the hardware in question.
Still, it's better than five years ago.
Still, it's better than five years ago.
That said, the netbooks in question not only don't come with Windows, they are as Windows-proof as can be.
[0] There would still be a hardware warranty.
As much as I love Linux, I recognize there is a legitimate reason to bundle Windows with many models - the support and remote diagnostics infrastructure is already deployed whereas with Linux OEMs would have to build one. It would be a better one, of course, but with the razor thin margins they operate, they may not be able to afford it.