Dell considers pre-loading Google

Search giant to ink another partner deal?

PC manufacturer Dell has confirmed that it is working on pre-installing some of Google's software products on its computers, in a move which could finally challenge the dominance of Microsoft on the desktop.

"We can confirm that we are running a test with Google that includes our homepage, Google desktop search and Google Toolbar," a Dell spokesperson told IT Week. If the tests are successful, this could lead to a Google-powered Dell homepage and Google as the default search engine on millions of new PCs.

Google already has partnerships with PC makers Hewlett-Packard, Gateway, Sony, Apple and Toshiba to distribute the Google Toolbar, according to Reuter reports..