__/ [Whiskers] on Saturday 04 February 2006 14:51 \__
> On 2006-02-04, Conor O'Neill <news_user_200602@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> I'm looking to buy a new laptop, which I will install Linux on (probably
>> Mandriva). However, everywhere I look, all new laptops come with
>> Microsoft XP pre-installed. I _don't_ want to buy this and simply
>> discard it.
>>
>> Does anyone have any (up-to-date) suggestions of places _in the UK_
>> where I can buy a top-brand laptop without an OS?
>
> I bought this re-conditioned HP laptop from a local computer shop (not a
> big chain), with no installed OS and with HP-branded Mandrake installation
> CDs in the package. I suspect the supply is sporadic and unpredictable
> though; I just got lucky.
In principle, HP are selling Ubuntu laptops and desktops <
http://www.tectonic.co.za/view.php?src=rss&id=595 >. They are probably the
first large vendor to do this. HP executive also left the company recently
in order to work on Linux servers.
http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/hardware/soa/HP_server_exec_leaves_for_Linux_firm/0,2000061702,39232946,00.htm
> I haven't bought anything from <http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/>
> myself, but I have bookmarked their website on the strength of mentions
> I've seen of them in newsgroups; they offer their laptops without any
> installed OS - and for less than they charge for pre-installing Windows.
> (You have to follow the links for a particular product right through to the
> page where you can 'Add system to basket' before you see this choice).
I was going to mention Novatech, but found out that somebody already has,
which is why I reply to this thread. Like yourself, I have their site
bookmarked and I often recommend them. I hear that they also have decent
customer support.
> You could try arguing with a shop, or a 'top brand' maker, that you should
> get a discount or refund for re-formatting the HD and returning all the MS
> stuff to them - but I wouldn't recommend holding your breath.
The more interesting point is the fact that the client does not have the
chance to accept the Microsoft Windows EULA.
> I think in at least one of the US states there is legislation requiring
> retailers or Microsoft to 'refund the Microsoft tax' to customers who
> don't want the pre-intalled Windows they have no chance of avoiding when
> they buy a new computer.
>
> In France, Mandriva are selling at least two HP/Compaq laptop models with
> Mandriva and Windows both installed. We can hope that they, or another
> distro, will do the something similar in the UK soon - preferably without
> Windows being an obligatory part of the deal.
That's correct.
Roy
--
Roy S. Schestowitz | Useless fact: There are five regular polyhedra
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