Linux and Dell

[pkd_lives]

Well I managed to resurect my PC once more - god this is getting insane, nobody breathe now. And I continue my search for a comp. I have contaacted various companies about getting a laptop with Linux, via e-mail.

Dell were the ONLY ones to reply to me - So F*** you HP and Sony. Best Buy and CompUSA will not even come over and ask me if I need assistance - I think they see the knowledge in my eyes.

Dell sent me support lists for Gnome and RH, et. al. I reminded them I was buying not needing service. They sent me back a contact number and said they could not help here but sales by phone should be my point of contact.

I phoned Dell and they stated they CANNOT sell me a system without a M$ Operating System on it. Well I know this, but I'm still gonna ask.

So I am wondering to myself. They can sell business machines can't they? well is there a minimum quantity and can I buy one for my home use? and just say it's for business. I mean in some ways it will be, but is there a legal definition for business and home?

Edit: Scratch that, Dell only offer it on Servers. I have now searched the Dell site pretty conclusivly, and the Linux page does not even exist for home or small business.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: pkd ]

[Pantso]

Well you know how it goes. I think though that there are some sites out there somewhere (don't remember the links sorry) that sell laptops and PCs with Linux preinstalled   . However, if you want to buy a new one then I would suggest that you disagree with the terms of the EULA, return Windows and get a refund which could be a troublesome and painful procedure. Anyway I think that you'll figure it out and make a good buy    

[voidmain]

So exactly how was it again that Microsoft got to 97% market share? It was because of the quality of the product right?    Seems to me that when you are forced to buy Windows with your desktop PC then there is little doubt that they would have 97% of the market.

Good thing I know how to build my own equipment. It's too much of a pain and the ass for most people. Actually in the amount of time I waste building a PC I could have paid for a copy of Windows, but it's the point of the matter.

[TheQuirk]

How did you build your lappy?

[Master of Reality]

walmart sells computers with linux preloaded (mandrake)

[rtgwbmsr]

Want a computer (desktop or laptop) w/ Linux?

http://www.qlilinux.com/
Edit: Oooh they sell Athlon MP systems! Shweet!

http://www.kachinatech.com/

Note: I have not bought from these people, so I recommend that you look them up in the BBB.org database to check for problems. I recommend doing this with any new person you buy from. Always buy with a major credit card if possible.

[ October 08, 2002: Message edited by: The_Muffin_Man/B0b ]

[voidmain]

quote:Originally posted by TheQuirk:
How did you build your lappy?

I didn't say it was the *lightest* or *smallest* laptop in the world. In fact it looks a lot like a desktop with a 19" monitor attached. It's actually quite difficult to keep the whole rig on your lap and type at the same time.  

[pkd_lives]

Thanks guys.

I know a lot of those sites, I have been hunting around. Trouble is I got burnt last buy and I really want to buy from someone with a proven track record. Although that may not be an option. And if not then fine I'll go with one of those little firms.

I would build my own, but building laptops is awkward, and as my hardware is about to crash and burn as a whole this is an ideal time to upgrade. I roommate so saving the space would be good.

I think we should all phone up and keep pestering these companies. They will only change when the market is truly percieved. I'm gonna try some other companies. And i'm gonna walk into CompUSA with $1500 in cash and say I want a commputer with No M$ stuff, and I don't want to pay for the M$ stuff, and are you going to sell it to me. If they refuse hard currency then I'll know it's time to talk small guy in the basement, or I'll find a second hand job and do it myself.

[rtgwbmsr]

Dood...like I said...ALWAYS check with the BBB and use a major credit card. I've never been frauded out.  So, to prevent you from having problems, I looked them up for you. Now you have no excuse  

QliTech's "Track record"
http://www.desmoines.bbb.org/commonreport.html?compid=18001242

I can't find any information on "Kachina Technologies". The BBB has no such record, the phone number turns up nil, and they list a PO Box as an address...very sketchy indeed.

Do your homework before you buy!

[RudeCat7]

quote:Actually in the amount of time I waste building a PC I could have paid for a copy of Windows, but it's the point of the matter.  

I wouldn't call it wasted time, It's the most fun I've ever had!  

[voidmain]

quote:Originally posted by RudeCat7:


I wouldn't call it wasted time, It's the most fun I've ever had!    

Maybe the first 8 or 10 times it's fun but it gets old after that.  

[rtgwbmsr]

Some more companies:

Penguin Computing. Their website:
http://penguincomputing.com/
BBB info:
None found. They do give local phone numbers, and a street address. Not to mention tech support.

Here's a whole list of dealers.
http://dmoz.org/Computers/Hardware/Systems/Linux/

Have phun!

[voidmain]

I have actually bought a few rack servers from Penguin Computing. But they don't sell laptops to my knowlege (which I believe he was after and I was scolded about).  

[kinky]

yes.. i dont think dell will sell laptops with no OS.. on paper...

you can order desktops with FreeDOS if you insist and complain and yell and scream... though most of the phone people do not know this.. and i dont know if it officailly applies to dell laptops.  you might mention it and try... it doesnt add cost and you can just load linux after you get it.

[Crunchy(Cracked)Butter]

I would telephone the dealer and ask for a system and say you don't want windows because you don't know how to use it, you use linux only, ever have and ever will.

Then point out that you wouldn't pay for something you don't want and neither would he.  

Smarttalk the guy by saying that you would return the laptop/desktop anyway if it came with windows because you would disagree with the EULA so to save some time (for their sake) just say "give me the laptop with no MS and i won't have to waste top spec hardware because i would be returning it and pissing you guys around".  Plus since there is no software on the machine i want my $100 or so discount on that machine.

If they bullshit you that they have an agreement with MS for selling software then kindly point out that the agreement doesn't bother you because you never made an agreement and you should get what you want.  In the EULA it does say something like this:

"If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, PC Manufacturer and Microsoft are unwilling to license the SOFTWARE PRODUCT to you. In such event, you may not use or copy the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, and you should promptly contact PC Manufacturer for instructions on return of the unused products(s) for a refund.

There you go, its right there, even MS says you CAN do it, wuote it and tell him, so if he is a good boy you get what you want if he doesn't behave and tricks you then fuck him with paperwork because you gotta return the machine and you are in your rights to refuse this product.

I got a link for a guy who did it: http://www.netcraft.com.au/geoffrey/toshiba.html

If they still say no then say you are going to speak to the federal trade commission.

Then speak to IBM maybe they will do it.