Why so much more expensive that Vista computers?

[rexregum]

Hello,

I am interested in purchasing a laptop without having to pay a Microsoft tax. To this end, I've looked into System 76.

The only problem so far, is that your laptops are similarly priced to Dell and Futureshop's laptops, yet are much less powerful.

For example:

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10122671&catid=25315&logon=&langid=EN

The above computer is more powerful than the Darter, yet about $100 less expensive.

Likewise:

http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/laptop_studio_17?c=us&cs=19&l=en&ref=lthp&s=dhs

The above XPS systems would all appear to be better deals than the Serval, yet each is about $100 less expensive. They all have more RAM, bigger hard drives, more or less equivalent processors...

When you add in the fact that I'm in Canada, and that your prices will be higher in Canadian dollars, I have to question the value of avoiding the "Microsoft tax", if it ends up being several hundred dollars more expensive overall.

Does System 76 use better quality hardware than these other companies, or are people just willing to sacrifice money in order to avoid paying Microsoft?

Sincerely,

A confused linux user

[Kareeser]

HP and Dell are large multi-national cooperations who can afford volume pricing... System76 is a much smaller business :)

Also, the Darter's a 12.1 inch laptop, the laptop you linked to is a 15.4 inch model, which are usually cheaper. It's much harder to cram things into a small space :)

I like to think about it as paying the extra money to support a Linux business.

[MorphWVUtuba]

This thread is a good discussion on why System76 computers are so "expensive"

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1109282&highlight=expensive

[rexregum]

Thanks for the replies. After reading that thread, and doing some more research, it looks like these System 76 laptops really are good deals.

I've gone ahead and ordered the Gazelle! :p

[Collin White]

I like to think about it as paying the extra money to support a Linux business.

That was part of my thinking when I bought a Meerkat.