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Why Buy a PC Preloaded With Linux?
Shadow7789 writes "I have been in the market for a new computer for the past few weeks and I know that I want to run Linux on it. However, every time I look at (for example) Dell's computers that are preloaded with Linux, the question pops into my head: 'Why should I buy a PC preloaded with Linux?' They are more expensive, and it's not hard just to reformat the PC with Linux. I hate paying the Microsoft Tax as much as anybody else, but if paying that 'tax' allows companies to reduce my price by bundling with my PC products that I will never use, why wouldn't I just buy a Windows-loaded PC and reformat?"
I would assume that a pre-installed Linux is already configured and all drivers are there and working.
I still have problems getting all devices of my 3-years-old Dell pc to work with current Ubuntu versions. My hope would be that if I buy a desktop pc with pre-installed Linux, all the hardware is at least supported by Linux, and I don't need to do the "hard" parts of the configuration (like the WLAN stuff).
Reason TO buy a PC with Linux preloaded:
It will work. I've been trying to migrate to a Linux dual boot system for months now, but between problems with my wireless card and every flavor of Linux's refusal to recognize my nVidia raid controller, I've given up and am forced to be content with windows. I tried quite hard, but since the only "support" Linux has are worthless IRC chat rooms and forums and hoping to God someone else has had the same problem as you, getting anything done is like pulling teeth. Having a support number you can call would be fantastic. Pre-loaded PCs provide that.
Reason not to:
Buy a cheaper computer with Windows, then notify Dell (or whomever) that you refuse the liscence agreement. They are required to refund the value of the software to you.