Chaselee,
I filled out your survey several days ago and I concur with the other comments regarding the definition of the term "PC." I've noticed that you've made the change on your spreadsheet.
One of the limitations of your study is that you are getting your participants from a very limited subject pool. Ubuntu Forum users are a small, self-selected group that may not be representative of the universe of System76 customers. Have you discussed with System76 a way of reaching customers that are not Ubuntu Forum users? Perhaps they may be able to help you by sending an email to their customers with a link to your survey. Of course, I doubt that they'll give you the mailing list for privacy reasons, but they may be able to send an email solicitation for you.
I suspect you may not be capturing two important issues regarding a customer's decision to purchase a System76 computer with GNU/Linux versus a Windows PC: 1) avoiding the "Windows Tax" and 2) word-of-mouth.
1) The "Windows Tax." Of course, when all is said and done, a Windows PC with similar specs to a GNU/Linux PC is often not much more expensive (and in some cases, less expensive). So it is not about the money. For me, I ultimately chose my System76 laptop because I did not want to become a customer of Microsoft and I didn't want my purchase to be added to their sales statistics.
2) Word-of-Mouth. System76 has sold 3 systems based solely on my recommendation. These folks had been using GNU/Linux simply because that is what I support. When they wanted a new computer, they consulted with me and purchased what I recommended. I suspect that for every "geek" that purchases from a GNU/Linux PC vendor for technical or philosophical reasons, there is at least one or two non-technical users who purchase from that vendor simply because of the "geek's" recommendation.
Perhaps you may wish to use the current survey as a "pilot" study and use the results to refine the instrument. With the assistance of System76, you can then expand your subject pool and send the refined survey. You may even wish to include some other vendors of GNU/Linux PCs.
(Full Disclosure: I am a behavioral researcher by training and a director of technology & communications by profession. My research interests are Testing & Measurement, Statistical Analysis, Human Interface Design & Systems Analysis with a focus on end-users, and Workplace Stress -- not as "hodge-podge" as it may seem.
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I wish you success with your research. I hope that you will publish your results on this forum!
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