4 ms·

Bummer, but not a problem. They are different products targeting different markets. You don't want users being able to switch between windows or linux pre-insta

Bummer, but not a problem. They are different products targeting different markets. You don't want users being able to switch between windows or linux pre-installed via a simple interface. You want them to know exactly what they're doing. (Or in case they don't know what they're doing, you want them to buy windows) Dell also needs to be able to promote their laptops using features of the OS, or software that comes with it. They also need to mark down the OS versions to coincide with promotions or market activity. Plus, if you're a linux guy, and the windows version is cheaper, just buy that and get the ubuntu image or drivers from dell support. It's not like canonical is missing out on a sale.

dfrey 14y ago
I definitely think that Dell is in a tough position in that they must protect themselves against customers that are dumb enough to choose an operating system that they don't want. I disagree with your suggestion to buy the Windows version if it's cheaper. It's frustrating to me to see the $1000 Windows laptop marked down to $900 and the Linux one be sold at the original price of $930. I want to buy the Linux version for $830, not the Windows one for $900 :) In truth, the first thing I would do after buying a Dell Laptop with Linux installed is wipe it clean and install Linux with the settings that I prefer. So the value of the preinstalled Linux for me is really just that I know that the hardware is all supported under Linux and I'm not paying for an OS that I don't want.
slowpoke 14y ago
>Plus, if you're a linux guy, and the windows version is cheaper, just buy that and get the ubuntu image or drivers from dell support. This is not an option if you are opposed to the Windows Tax on principle. I am extremely uncomfortable with artificially boosting Windows sales and indirectly supporting a monopoly. And no, this by no means not a monopoly. Windows comes preinstalled on the overwhelming majority of computers today, and most of the time, there is no way around that. Most manufacturers even deny refunds, even when they are required to do so by law ("whatcha gonna do, sue us?"). For the record, I've been having "fun" with Lenovo trying to get my rightly deserved refund. I'm actually not adverse to taking this to court, but I'm a student and not exactly rich, so I don't know if I could afford that. It's my firm opinion that forced bundling should be outright illegal, and it somewhat already is. There's a consumer protection directive from the EU that forbids "agressive or unfair practices", which this most certainly falls under.

dfrey 14y ago

I definitely think that Dell is in a tough position in that they must protect themselves against customers that are dumb enough to choose an operating system that they don't want. I disagree with your suggestion to buy the Windows version if it's cheaper. It's frustrating to me to see the $1000 Windows laptop marked down to $900 and the Linux one be sold at the original price of $930. I want to buy the Linux version for $830, not the Windows one for $900 :) In truth, the first thing I would do after buying a Dell Laptop with Linux installed is wipe it clean and install Linux with the settings that I prefer. So the value of the preinstalled Linux for me is really just that I know that the hardware is all supported under Linux and I'm not paying for an OS that I don't want.

slowpoke 14y ago

>Plus, if you're a linux guy, and the windows version is cheaper, just buy that and get the ubuntu image or drivers from dell support. This is not an option if you are opposed to the Windows Tax on principle. I am extremely uncomfortable with artificially boosting Windows sales and indirectly supporting a monopoly. And no, this by no means not a monopoly. Windows comes preinstalled on the overwhelming majority of computers today, and most of the time, there is no way around that. Most manufacturers even deny refunds, even when they are required to do so by law ("whatcha gonna do, sue us?"). For the record, I've been having "fun" with Lenovo trying to get my rightly deserved refund. I'm actually not adverse to taking this to court, but I'm a student and not exactly rich, so I don't know if I could afford that. It's my firm opinion that forced bundling should be outright illegal, and it somewhat already is. There's a consumer protection directive from the EU that forbids "agressive or unfair practices", which this most certainly falls under.