UK suppliers of computer systems?

[bazzer]

I'm in the market for a quantity of computers, say 50 every three months or so ongoing. I would like to purchase from somewhere that doesn't put any OS on them so as I can install Ubuntu. I'd like that 'service' reflected in the price - that is, I'd like the most bargain basement PC available. I'd like Dell machines to be honest. They do Vostros for £160 plus the dreaded, which if you took the Vista infection away might be more reasonable. However I fear they will just giggle when I ask them to supply without an OS...

So, does anyone have any experience they'd like to share of purchasing quantities of machines within the UK?

[bazzer]

Well Dell are out, just called them, spoke to their corporate sales department, and they told me they cannot supply a PC without an operating system. And that all PC manufacturers must sell PCs with an operating system, reason being Microsoft have 'told them all to do it'. Do I smell something?

[teaker1s]

so ask dell for ubuntu, they already sell systems with it

[ugm6hr]

And that all PC manufacturers must sell PCs with an operating system, reason being Microsoft have 'told them all to do it'. Do I smell something?

Rubbish.

Most large-scale producers get OEM discounts from Microsoft for agreeing to that kind of deal.

However, smaller producers are less encumbered with MS deals.

[Wv0wvw88wvw0vW]

I've tried to return my Vista Ultimate from my purchase of the Vostro 1500 from Dell last year. Didn't work.

[ibutho]

I think HP sells computers with FreeDOS instead of Windows. It might be worth having a chat with them.

[Zabadda]

I work as a technician for a company that sells refurbished PC's and laptops, we sell them all with no OS and have a nice range of makes. we are very busy and im sure could meet those requirements.

[bazzer]

Thanks Zabadda - no offence intended, but I don't want second- user kit, I want new, Linux friendly kit with all the same components throughout.

My current best guess is getting some Shuttle PCs made up for us.

[solitaire]

Did you tell the sales people the number of PC's you were thinking of buying? I've had PC's from Dell with no OS a few times. I was ordering a server at the same time (no OS on that either). You have to haggle a bit with the sales! but you CAN get the machines with no OS! The "have to have an OS" is total rubbish! But they can easily stick on their Ubuntu if worst comes to worst!

Also their are a few different sales numbers (I think) Corp sales are for Huge Organisations. Try the "Dell Outlet" number instead. Outlet are not always "second hand" they are usually "over ordered" items or bulk orders which were cancaled before getting sent out to clients.

[Scunnered]

bazzer

I have purchased from Novatech who have given me good service and they will supply systems without OSs. If you are thinking of using laptops then I would suggest that you check thoroughly that what you are thinking of will work with the Linux kernel.

I had problems with not being able to load any Linux OS on to a Laptop from them but they were prepared to work with me and in the end took back the system and gave a full refund.

Novatech have individual sales units so if you are thinking of quantity then they could possible suit.

[bazzer]

As it happens I'm now looking at Shuttle PCs, as they have excellent support for Linux. I have identified a few suppliers in the UK who are willing to build a PC to a spec, and as such can recommend someone (by PM, not on the forum) if anyone else is looking.

[wbgsreject]

I have used http://www.linuxemporium.co.uk for hardware (though not PCs/laptops yet) and they have always been very good. They supply Shuttle PCs and various laptops with Linux pre-installed (Ubuntu and SUSE last time I checked).

[tom240]

HI

We are a taxi company Hummingbird Cars in London. We provide Airport Transfer service from all london airports.

We are new in the business and we require to buy computer parts like monitors, Processor, mouse, keyboards, can any one suggest where we can get cheap and good condition computer parts

Thank you

Tom

[freesitebuilder]

Have you joined the ubuntu-uk mailing list? People there often ask about Ubuntu PCs and laptops. http://ubuntu-uk.org/

[josh11]

Go to http://www.overclockers.co.uk

They sell stuff without OS's ... you have to add them if you want them, but it is possible to order without it.

However, they are a great team of people, and I'm sure if you gave them a ring they'd install Ubuntu already... or kubuntu etc.

Give them a ring, good bunch of people. EXCELLENT service aswell.

[moldaviax]

It shouldn't be so hard....here are the sources I have found (valid at time of writing)

http://www.kogan.co.uk/shop/agora-pro-12-ultra-portable-laptop-computer/

battery life isn't great 2-3 hrs, but its very light and has Ubuntu 11.04 preinstalled

If you don't mind installing the os yourself

http://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/laptop-computers/

I have purchased a couple of os free machines from pc specialist so far and they have worked fine with Ubuntu 10.04

I think someone already mentioned Novatech and Linux Emporium which are two other options in the UK. There are a few more in EU and System76 will ship direct from the states if you don't mind the taxes and courier costs.

M.

[Evil-Ernie]

Somebody mentioned Novatech which are a good choice, also try Scan and Overclockers.

[foxy123]

I need to buy a couple of laptops with Ubuntu for a small business and Linux Emporium seems to be the only option. The problem is that their choice of laptops a bit limited. I have had a look at Novatech and some other vendors selling laptops without OS. While I do not mind installing Ubuntu myself unfortunately there is no guarantee that everything will work with it.

[Evil-Ernie]

I actually have contacts in Novatech, Scan and Overclockers. I will ask them to see if they know which of their OS free laptops work well with Linux clients.

[bazzer]

Well since everyone is chipping in and name checking, it's not fair if I don't do the same now!

I really like Aria (http://www.aria.co.uk). They can build to your own spec, right down to what you want included with the package (1000 PCs without the annoying leftover cables, discs, manuals and so on?) and they don't charge the earth to build it properly too. Everything gets checked for POST and I've not had a bad system yet.

Flavour of the month (year?) are Atom Dual Core machines, the Intel boards are pretty good with Ubuntu.

[foxy123]

I actually have contacts in Novatech, Scan and Overclockers. I will ask them to see if they know which of their OS free laptops work well with Linux clients.

Yes it would be very good to know. Thanks a lot.

[chrisbarnes1992]

I usally get all of my PC parts from ebuyer.com.

Recently they have started selling Acer Aspire Revo's with Linux pre-installed. There is also PC's in the Clearence which have no operating systems installe on them. Not badly priced as well.

Hope this helps.

[pausut]

you could try

<snip>

Paul

[macroshaft]

you could try

<snip>

Paul

Thanks for that Paul, it's good to see word about my business is getting around. I should point out it's early days for me and I'm very versatile so if you don't see what you need on the site drop me a line and I'll see what I can do.

Gareth
CTS

[Megaptera]

I work as a technician for a company that sells refurbished PC's and laptops, we sell them all with no OS and have a nice range of makes. we are very busy and im sure could meet those requirements.
Do you only supply corporate clients or do you sell to the public too?
(1 pc/laptop not several at a time?)

[Elfy]

Do you only supply corporate clients or do you sell to the public too?
(1 pc/laptop not several at a time?)

That op's not been here since almost a year ago.

[Megaptera]

That op's not been here since almost a year ago.
Thanks, I hadn't noticed that some parts of this thread go back 'til '09.