Who offers laptops/desktops w/o Windows preinstalled?

[stillblue]

I am in the market for a new laptop and it seems everyone wants you to have Windows 8 or you can pay extra for Windows 7 and no system is not even an option. I have zero desire to own Windows 8 but 7 would be OK as a dual boot option but I certainly don't want to pay extra for it nor pay microsoft for something that I'll be overwriting the day I get it. So, is there a secret site that Dell, ASUS, Lenovo or the others use for people like me? I just read here that sales of PCs are down 21% since the inception of Windows 8, maybe they could get them back up with a little Linux magic.

 

[Ijack]

In the UK you can buy OS-free computers from Novatech. But, unfortunately, that is not a lot of use to you. You need to find a local supplier/assembler of computers. You are probably better placed to do this than anyone else on these forums.

 

[stillblue]

Worse, I live in the middle of the DR Congo and am considered the computer guru here...that's how bad it is. Putting together a custom desktop not a bad option that I can handle but a DIY laptop? Can't see that as very economical.

 

[Ijack]

Try talking to Dell. Although they don't push it on their website, I believe they will supply to order laptops with Ubuntu installed. Lenovo used to do the same, so it may be worth contacting them too

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Try talking to Dell. Although they don't push it on their website, I believe they will supply to order laptops with Ubuntu installed. Lenovo used to do the same, so it may be worth contacting them too

Except that Dell is pulling these kinds of shenanigans: http://www.tomshardware.com/news/linux-ultrabook-ubuntu-xps13,19442.html

 

[amdfangirl]

You can always get a computer built at your local store or try to get a Windows license refund by refusing the EULA and phoning Microsoft.

 

[Aristotelian]

What about a "Chomebook" laptop? They come with an OS but you are not really paying extra for it the way you are when you get a Windows license. You should be able to install Ubuntu or whatever.

 

[amdfangirl]

Very true. They supposedly work well. Beware of the ARM Samsung Chromebook.

 

[stillblue]

Seems like the answer is basically no unless you are willing to accept a very tiny choice. Pity, Linux is about choices. I would have thought the manufacturers would make no OS an option now that Microsoft has decided to get into direct competition with it's hardware customers. Thanks for the suggestions, I did check them out but alas no gold to be found yet. I am curious about one thing though, AMDfangirl, did the potato survive that brutal attack in your avatar?

 

[amdfangirl]

Just hugging the potato. Didn't attack it.

 

[The Stealthinator]

I think it's possible to order computer with custom parts. Maybe you could customize one without an OS. For all you know, you might get it for cheaper

 

[nonewsgoodnews]

Here are two companies that sell linux laptops and desktops only:

Zareason:
http://zareason.com/shop/home.php

System 76:
https://www.system76.com/

 

[stillblue]

Best answer selected by stillblue.

 

[The Stealthinator]

Hi there,

Please see the date of the last message in a thread before replying. It's against the forum rules to bump.

Just a note,
Stealthinator

 

[sam_p_lay]

Hi there,

Please see the date of the last message in a thread before replying. It's against the forum rules to bump.

Just a note,
Stealthinator

That was actually a copy/paste of Ijack's response. Some kind of spambot?

 

[amdfangirl]

Granted his sig advertises MMORPG gold, I'd say that's an astute observation.

 

[stillblue]

See, now this is why I give kuddos to Sam, he potss things like that. Me, my mind wanders and I get to rambling on...

 

[The Stealthinator]

That was actually a copy/paste of Ijack's response. Some kind of spambot?

Copy/paste from where?? And where does ijack ever sign off "Stealthinator"? Some kind of spambot?

 

[stillblue]

That was actually a copy/paste of Ijack's response. Some kind of spambot?

Copy/paste from where?? And where does ijack ever sign off "Stealthinator"? Some kind of spambot?

It's a cut and paste of the first answer to my original question above by Ijack.

 

[The Stealthinator]

But i didn't even write what ijack did!! What is going on???

 

[The Stealthinator]

oh I get it! Is sam refering to the post above mine which was deleted by the user?

But he quoted me in his post? Ah well...

 

[stillblue]

oh I get it! Is sam refering to the post above mine which was deleted by the user?

But he quoted me in his post? Ah well...

Get that man a cigar!

(chocolate of course)

 

[sam_p_lay]

Haha I thought Stealthinator was screwing around there Stillblue, you're a gentleman. But don't underestimate the value of mind wondering/rambling.

 

[stillblue]

Haha I thought Stealthinator was screwing around there Stillblue, you're a gentleman. But don't underestimate the value of mind wondering/rambling.

I was never so proud as the day I overheard one Congolese tell another that I wasn't crazy, just eccentric. Brought a tear to my eyes.

 

[The Stealthinator]

lol!!!