Buying new PC without paying for any MS license

[jeickal]

I'm running my PC 100% MS-free since quite a while. So when I wanted to purchase a new PC recently, I totally refused to give a single penny to Microsoft knowing I woundn't run their OS whatsoever. So I started looking around computer store asking to buy a PC without winXP licence, and I must say it wasn't too easy finding what I wanted... It took me 4 computer stores. and the store that accepted to sell me a PC without MS license was not even providing pre-installed linux alternatives...
This experience made me think that Linux has still quite a long way to go before reaching the average home user...

How about where you guys live? can you go down the street and buy a MS-free PC? Or even better a PC coming with Linux pre-installed?

[Santa's little helper]

So I started looking around computer store asking to buy a PC without winXP licence, and I must say it wasn't too easy finding what I wanted... It took me 4 computer stores.

Was it cheaper than in those places where you had to get a XP license ?

[soulbrothax831]

How about where you guys live? can you go down the street and buy a MS-free PC? Or even better a PC coming with Linux pre-installed?

Nope, not here. All we have is a Circuit City. Well, there's also a Walmart here, and I've been hearing that they are selling PCs with Linux pre-installed? Haven't had the time to check it out though....

[Cabhan]

We've got Circuit City, CompUSA, and Best Buy, so probably not.

Although I just remembered...there's a little place called Computers, Etc. that helps people make custom computers. They would probably do it.

[designbydave]

i build my own computers, so no need to worry about windows license.

[petergriffin]

It is very easy to buy a pc without Windows pre-installed in the UK, although I always order from UK based online stores, not high-street retailers.

[jeickal]

Was it cheaper than in those places where you had to get a XP license ?

Hard to say because every store had different hardware. I think yes, it was slightely cheaper.
winXP family ED is about a $100 here (converting local curency into $) so about 10% saving on the total price. However that made me miss a special discount offer in the 2nd store that was pretty interesting...
But my main point was not only to save money, it was not to be forced to give some of my money to a company I do not like ( let stay polite here ) specialy that I ain't even gonna use their product.
Do you realize how good MS marketing people are? Making people who don't wanna use their products buy them against their will (and even often without knowing it)??
If MS techies were as good as their maketing guys, windows would probably be very different...

[sarumont]

i build my own computers, so no need to worry about windows license.

Agreed.

As far as Wal-Mart goes, I know they used to sell Linspire PCs, though I'm not sure if they still do.

[Vercetti]

Down here, on Brazil, there's a few stores that sells PCs with Debian Linux and Mandrake Linux... They also come with a kinky manual about how to use, install, and many links (one of them was linuxforums.org) =D

And they are way cheaper then the ones with MS Licenses, because they come with no Windows, no Office, no MS

[jeickal]

i build my own computers, so no need to worry about windows license.

Agreed.

As far as Wal-Mart goes, I know they used to sell Linspire PCs, though I'm not sure if they still do.

Well, OK, the ultimate solution. However that won't help making Linux reaches the mass.
And to be honest if I used to play alot with hardware when I was a student I don't enjoy it that much anymore.
Wall-Mart still sell some pre-installed Linux PC (Xandros I think) but only online. I really wonder why retail stores don't wanna do it. Would it be so not worth it for them?
Should I be thinking of moving to Brasil?
Na, I guess I'd better keep fighting here