Where to buy a computer without paying for an OS

[Atreus12]

I was wondering where I could buy either laptops or desktops that come with some form of linux on them. I don't know how much of the cost of a computer with XP/Vista ends up going to Microsoft, but I'd like to avoid that. Seeing as I'm going to put linux on it anyway, might as well avoid the extra licensing fees as well.

So, where should I be shopping?

-Andrew

PS - If this has already been covered, link me to the thread. I tried searching, but I really didn't know what to search for. 'laptop' turned up lots and lots of results.

[TheRingmaster]

I was wondering where I could buy either laptops or desktops that come with some form of linux on them. I don't know how much of the cost of a computer with XP/Vista ends up going to Microsoft, but I'd like to avoid that. Seeing as I'm going to put linux on it anyway, might as well avoid the extra licensing fees as well.

So, where should I be shopping?

-Andrew

PS - If this has already been covered, link me to the thread. I tried searching, but I really didn't know what to search for. 'laptop' turned up lots and lots of results.

well you could go to http://www.system76.com or http://www.shafetech.com

[aysiu]

Here's the link to no-OS and Linux-preloaded vendors:
http://lxer.com/module/forums/t/23168/

[K.Mandla]

Dell Financial Services sells off-lease laptops and desktops for cheap; some of them are sold without an OS.

http://www.dfsdirectsales.com

The Dell outlet sometimes has machines that are OSless too.

http://outlet.dell.com

I know HP and Compaq sell machines that come with FreeDOS (I think) and nothing else. They only knock $100 off the price, though -- even though XP Pro will cost you $189 at Target. :-?

[maniacmusician]

pfft, if you ever get a computer from a retailer without XP, they'll only give you back like 50-70 dollars, so 100 is generous (for them)

[macogw]

pfft, if you ever get a computer from a retailer without XP, they'll only give you back like 50-70 dollars, so 100 is generous (for them)

Yeah, and what do you think it cost them? OEM Windows is at most $120 (how much we pay at a little store that gets maybe 2 licenses a month), and it's a lot less (like $50) for the companies that sell a ton of computers with XP. The only time Windows costs $189 is when it is on a shelf. That's the retail version. Retail versions are a lot more expensive. The companies use OEM, meaning Original Equipment Manufacturer. They get a discount for being a computer-builder, and that discount gets much bigger as they buy in bulk.

[migla]

System 76 has a 3:rd party forum for support (http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=158) here at ubuntuforums. (Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated and wouldn't buy from them since I'm in europe. I don't know if they're any good or if they're very expensive or anything like that.)

[maniacmusician]

Yeah, and what do you think it cost them? OEM Windows is at most $120 (how much we pay at a little store that gets maybe 2 licenses a month), and it's a lot less (like $50) for the companies that sell a ton of computers with XP. The only time Windows costs $189 is when it is on a shelf. That's the retail version. Retail versions are a lot more expensive. The companies use OEM, meaning Original Equipment Manufacturer. They get a discount for being a computer-builder, and that discount gets much bigger as they buy in bulk.
I know. which is why I said "$100 is generous."

[Shay Stephens]

System 76 has a 3:rd party forum for support (http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=158) here at ubuntuforums. (Disclaimer: I'm not affiliated and wouldn't buy from them since I'm in europe. I don't know if they're any good or if they're very expensive or anything like that.)

Your disclaimer was longer than your answer ;)

[seijuro]

eRacks.com (http://eracks.com/) is listed on the page linked by aysiu I just thought I would point it out because it also came recommended from the FreeBSD community because eRacks offers all their machines to be preinstalled with your favorite Open Source OS.

[Atreus12]

Thanks for the info :)

-Andrew