Lenovo Removes Linux Option For Home Buyers

billybob2 writes "Lenovo has stopped selling laptops pre-installed with Linux on its web site, only 8 months after starting the trial program. This means that home customers won't be able to buy a Thinkpad without paying the Microsoft tax. Word has it that the decision to pull the plug on Linux came down from the highest levels of the Chinese company's corporate headquarters. For those looking to buy full-sized laptops and desktops with Linux pre-loaded Dell, System76, ZaReason and Everex all still offer such products."

Comments

AC comment from TFA

[Ethanol-fueled]

I suspect the decision was made because of comparatively small demand.

Not every disappointment in life is the result of a Grand Microsoft Conspiracy. (grin)

Re:AC comment from TFA

[yukk]

Most likely it was a combination of low volume and pressure from Microsoft. If M/S keeps the pressure on and the sales don't make it worthwhile fighting then they drop the line.

What about driver support etcetera?

[argent]

The Microsoft tax isn't that big a deal, at least not in the Thinkpad price range. Were their Linux-based laptops any cheaper? I know some other companies that offer Linux don't offer any discount for it.

A bigger concern is whether they're providing driver support for Linux installation or not.

Re:What about driver support etcetera?

[snl2587]

If i buy an apple, how do i get rid of the OSX/Apple tax? If I buy a ford, how do i put a Mazda engine it it from the getgo and not pay the Ford tax?

Apple makes the computers. Ford makes the cars. So there really isn't a way to not pay them in some way (unless you stole their products...but that's beside the point)

Microsoft, on the other hand, does not manufacture the computers. So if I want to buy a computer I shouldn't have to pay them as well if I don't want their product to come with it.

Re:Maybe the word actually came from consumers?

[e2d2]

Yeah All kinds of possibilities can lead to this.

I think as *nix advocates (at least some of us), we need to realize that it's not all about being altruistic to these guys. It's about money, and if it's doesn't make money then why would they do it? But why speculate on motivations. It's just a fact and we can accept it, make Linux better where we can, and move forward.

Re:Maybe they shouldn't have used Suse

[Lobster Quadrille]

Precisely. I bought one of the Lenovo Suse lappys, but never even booted it into Suse. I had an Ubuntu disc sitting on my counter before the UPS guy showed up.

I bought the Suse one for two reasons- known linux-supported hardware, and not paying MS.

The laptop, by the way, is fantastic. Durable, high-performance, and with a docking station, replaced both my desktops.