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Buying a Small, Light Linux Notebook Computer?
"I have no Windows software and will not be running any, not even via WINE. I have no
desire to go through the hassle of purchasing software I'm not going to use and
then fighting to get a token rebate that doesn't actually equate to the cost of a Windows license. Nor am I interested in buying a machine that was purchased with a Windows license, and simply having Windows erased with no refund given.
So far I've found iDot Computers, who will sell laptops with no OS installed. Unfortunately, their lightest,
smallest offering is a hefty 2.8kg brick, 3cm bigger than the iBook in width and depth. What I really want is something comparable to a Toshiba Libretto or Sony VAIO R505--except that neither of those companies want to sell me a machine without Windows.
I'm sure plenty of Slashdot readers have faced the same problem--what's the solution?"
Sony and friends don't offer non-Windows laptops because IT WOULD COST THEM MONEY! This article is the biggest troll i've ever seen. In order to avoid "paying the Microsoft tax" you're just going to end up paying for someone to specifically take 1% of laptops off the production line before the Windows install, stock them somewhere marked differently from the generic (Windows) laptops, update their inventory database, notify their distibutors who will then have to notify the stores... all adding up to a hell of a lot more than it would cost them to just put Windows on it and say "reformat at home if you like". If you're that anal about not wanting to give Microsoft any money, perhaps you should look at starting a specifically non-Microsoft laptop company and see just how much business it'll get you. Note there are companies that sell "unbadged", "clean" laptops out there... catch is if you want to buy from them you're going to need to order in bulk just like Dell do.
I got a sig so you would remember me.
I'm sorry, I know this is a little offtopic, however, it needs to be said.
Quit it with the DAMNED cheerleading. It seems that every chance anyone ever gets to mention a distro they like or they think is superior in any way shape or form they must at all cost mention in any obscur way. Slashdot's advertisements aren't as effective as these comments. People actually read these comments and mod them up thinking "Wow what an ingenious . . ." whoa, hold on a second that's an advertisement for another Linux distro--GEEZ!
By the way visit redhat.com
Cheers!
Anyone willing to murder plant life so they can eat deserves to get reamed. Royally reamed.
I am starting to think that we linux lovers may be taking it up the butt the same way that vegetarians get reamed for "Organic" produce.. See a market , exploit that market and I think we may being exploited here.
I hope this wasn't an epiphany to you.
Linux zealousy and vegetarianism/veganism are both just forms of snobbery for overly wealthy people to throw money at in hopes of appearing socially schismatic. Yawn.
Ever seen a poor vegan? Nope. Ever seen a poor person that had to have everything certified 'Microsoft free' by some snotty hardware company? Nope.
Real people eat the food they can afford and like the taste of, and real people buy a computer and use Windows or install their own blend of Linux. Practically every new PC runs Linux, including laptops. Regular people just buy a laptop and install Linux. Only snobs and zealots care about their computer being certified as "Windows free."
Note to author of article: get over yourself, dismount your high horse, and get on with life.
If you want a nice BSD-ish UN*X box, look at the low-end PowerBook.
Best Buy can have you arrested
Don't be so rude if you can read properly, idiot. The guy said:
"Currently I'm looking at an iBook; however, they're a bit larger and heavier than I'd like."
so he is use the iBook as a benchmark and hasn't found anything better yet. Where the fuck do you get that idea that he has ruled out the iBook?