I use Arch btw
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Shopping for a laptop as a Linux user:
Screenshot from the Simpsons where Otto is talking to Marge and Homer standing next to a window in their house with a caption "Oh wow, windows!... I don't think I can afford this place."
eBay!
Microsoft would make more from continued Windows usage (between selling data and products like Office) then that license key sold in volume to the OEM.
I don't get it. I wouldn't need to have Linux preinstalled. I could just get... Literally any laptop and then only ever boot up Windows to download my preferred distro, if I don't already have a USB ready.
The point is that you have to pay for that windows that you're going to erase anyways. It's not free.
In my experience, unless it's the professional version of windows, laptops with windows tend to be a little cheaper than blank laptops. Pretty sure Microsoft actually pays manufactures to use Windows.
I believe they pay OEMs as long as they exclusively use Windows, or at least they get a sizable discount
Buy used ThinkPad.
Even new Lenovo laptops can usually be bought direct without Windows
Have two already, need something new, can't be used. Please read the other comments before commenting, this is like the 7th one saying the same thing.
its typically not good enough of a product to buy.
feel free to disagree.
Microsoft is not dominating the PC market like you think they are. Nowadays, if you’re in school, and the school tells you to use a computer, it’s probably going to be a Chromebook. Google has made it much cheaper for enterprises and schools to afford chromebooks, by giving them deals and building protocols that would specifically be useful in a school or work environment, and in some cases, forcing students/parents to buy Chromebooks specifically. And more rarely, requiring people to use them at work.
Also, I feel like this whole post completely disregards the existence of Chromebooks in general. They’re Linux computers. And they’re what most of the next generation are learning to use at school, and therefore, what most of them will probably buy when they buy a laptop. You know, assuming they didn’t think it was awful.
Nobody is forcing you to buy a computer with Windows pre-installed on it. People just enjoy hating on Windows. You basically can’t use Linux without having enough know-how to install it yourself anyway. Just delete Windows. Or is the Linux gang really just looking for every little thing to complain about? I think that’s what it is. You guys should spend more time pointing out why Linux should be the status quo, instead of complaining about the current status quo. It gets you nowhere with people who use Windows, and the Apple people laugh at you. So you’re essentially just circle jerking your favorite penguin. Why? Windows didn’t steal your girl. It's an alternative. Buy a laptop that doesn't have an operating system on it, if you're so upset about it. They exist. It took me less than a minute to Google it. Want Linux on it? Buy a Chromebook. The world already conforms to you, and yet you still complain.
Way to completely miss the point there...
There's literally a Chromebook section at Best Buy. The point couldn't be more wrong. Quit complaining about non-existent problems just so you can make anti-Windows propaganda. It's shameful.
Do you think everyone lives in the US?
Then install Linux FOR FREE on a Windows PC and stop whining. I used Best Buy as an example. I highly doubt Chromebooks aren't available in your area. This is a list of every place that Chromebooks are sold, according to Google: "North America, United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Austria, Rest of Europe, Asia Pacific, China, S Korea, Japan, India, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Rest of APAC.
You just wanted to complain and you know it. Educate yourself and stop spreading propaganda for Linux. Linux doesn't need your help.
Last three laptops I've bought, the Windows install never saw the light of day.