Buy Computer without Windows?

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Zeon

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#63086 21-Jun-2010 00:18

Hey Guys,
I'm just wondering whether it is at all possible to buy a readymade system without Windows be it XP, 7 or whatever. I'm looking at getting some nettops for basic business computers and they all come ith Windows 7 home premium etc. which i don't want to use. Either Windows 7 pro (which isn't an option) or preferably I'd want to use Ubuntu. I don't want to be paying for the license which i then don't use and it would be cheaper to buy Windows 7 pro OEM than upgrading from home premium.

The major brands e.g. Dell, HP etc. all do it and most of the smaller brands too? I've read somewhere that there is something in the MS EULA which says if you don't agree then the manufacturer has to refund your Windows?

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sampler

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#343594 21-Jun-2010 00:41

Hi!,

Its very common for both the big brands and other guys to provide windows licence free hardware. However the trick is trying to confirm whats exstock and whats going to take 2-10 weeks to become available.

What basic specs are you after hardware wise ?

I am not away of microsoft promoting anykind of buyback system for their OS in NZ, However i guess its possible.

Cheers

Lee

Batman

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#343602 21-Jun-2010 02:42

unlikely. as their drivers must be attached to windows. they can't sell you a product and be unable to provide driver support for nothingness.

sampler

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#343634 21-Jun-2010 08:54

Dell (for example) promote the fact that they have a support for linux (Ubuntu in particular)
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/ubuntu?c=us&l=en&cs=19

Its part of their order process to choose the OS.

I have a few of these http://dove.co.nz/go/6225/1-0000/1110/1085 too

However sometimes the differance between a PC with of without windows might only be $25.

Cheers

Lee

vexxxboy

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#343637 21-Jun-2010 09:05

check out playtech http://www.playtech.co.nz , if you dont want an OS they take $150 off the system , and they have a great custom option to get the system you want

Common sense is not as common as you think.

Zeon

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#343642 21-Jun-2010 09:19

Hmmm. What about if you want to order with linux - they then could provide you driver support but not have to charge you for any license?

I'm looking at getting some business all-in-ones (ie the screen and PC are together) such as Dell Vostro or Lenovo m90z. Basically for an all-in-one you need a branded system.

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sampler

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#343714 21-Jun-2010 11:49

Not sure how quickly those devices would be available.

You could look as using one of those Viewsonic PC's as they come with mounting hardware to allow them to be put on the back of any LCD monitor. It would allow yoto choose your own range of monitor sizes/brands.
Maybe also reuse exiting LCD monitors if you wanted to save a little too ??

Cheers

Lee