Why can't I just buy it without being charged for preinstalled spyware?
Why can't I just buy it without being charged for preinstalled spyware?
Image description:
Shopping for a laptop as a Linux user:
Screenshot from the Simpsons where Otto is talking to Marge and Homer standing next to a window in their house with a caption "Oh wow, windows!... I don't think I can afford this place."
I hate that nowadays everything comes with pre-installed spyware and that they charge you for it makes it even worse..
- Want a TV? Suck on our Android TV with Google spyware embedded
- Want a phone? Get our Android with Google spyware, or go for an Apple with Apple spyware
- Want a computer? We'll shove Windows spyware down your throat
Ffs I just want devices that I own to not spy on me, and I can't even buy them anymore..
Each of them require flashing a custom privacy respecting OS onto it,
and that's a real problem..Not to be that "aktchually" guy, but Microsoft actually ends up paying OEM's to ship with Windows, in order to drive costs down to be more affordable than competitors. You can still reimage with Linux, which I know, is an extra step from it shipping with Linux, but in a wild turn of events, we can thank Microsoft for driving down the prices of our to-be-Linux machines ;)
The bigger issue for me is every device advertised to be linux based and privacy oriented is >400$ usually around 700-800$
I understand that tech savy IT people are usually financially cushy enough that they can eat a almost thousand dollar bill on their laptop and not think twice about it but man I just can't ever see myself willing to shell out that much cash for a fancy laptop with physical kill switches or modularbility. Bring that price tag down a couple hundred dollars system 76 and Purism, then well talk. Until then the dude on ebay selling librebooted ghostpads are more likely to get my money.
A lot of the time you aren't actually paying for the license afaik. If you look at a pre built and spec it out on PC part picker, the pre built can often come at a lower price bc the PC is subsidized with payment from the bloatware that is pre installed (think McAfee). Microsoft also sells the licenses in bulk to the store for huge discounts. Windows business model is a lot more about selling you 365 and your data than the operating system.
There are new laptops without os preinstalled (freedos actually installed) i bought my hp255g8 Ryzen 5700u laptop few years ago that way
My laptop came preinstalled with Linux :)
Here in the EU there are a few companies selling rebranded Tongfang or Clevo barebones without an OS. Some are Linux-oriented like Tuxedo, Slimbook or LaptopmetLinux, some are general-purpose or gaming oriented like Schenker/XMG.
Slimbook Elemental 14 start at around 600€, Tuxedo Aura 14 starts at around 840€ for what looks to be the same SKU but a bit more storage.
Where are you located and what's your budget ? It might help point you in the right direction.
Oh wow linux laptop, so cheap, while I appreciate their existence, if you're on a budget an old (t480,t440p) lenovo will do fine for most purposes, otherwise build a desktop.
Check out system76
Last three laptops I've bought, the Windows install never saw the light of day.
Get a Framework. You won't be disappointed.
Are you only looking for a laptop? Others have said a lot about it. I want to add that in desktop\net-top\mini-pc markets it's easier to encounter no-OS solutions. Some of them are very cheap and small, that small you can mount them behind a monitor and call it a day. I'm sorry if it's not up your lane.
Check out TUXEDO
You could try getting a Chromebook and installing whatever distro you want on there? I know it doesn’t avoid the pre-installed spyware, but at least it’s free so you’re not loosing money paying for a license. And Chromebooks these days are made in a wide range from very inexpensive to sorta-premium.
Microsoft would make more from continued Windows usage (between selling data and products like Office) then that license key sold in volume to the OEM.
eBay!
Penguin t4 starts at $799.00.
https://www.thinkpenguin.com/gnu-linux/penguin-t4-gnulinux-laptop
its typically not good enough of a product to buy.
feel free to disagree.Microsoft is not dominating the PC market like you think they are. Nowadays, if you’re in school, and the school tells you to use a computer, it’s probably going to be a Chromebook. Google has made it much cheaper for enterprises and schools to afford chromebooks, by giving them deals and building protocols that would specifically be useful in a school or work environment, and in some cases, forcing students/parents to buy Chromebooks specifically. And more rarely, requiring people to use them at work.
Also, I feel like this whole post completely disregards the existence of Chromebooks in general. They’re Linux computers. And they’re what most of the next generation are learning to use at school, and therefore, what most of them will probably buy when they buy a laptop. You know, assuming they didn’t think it was awful.
Nobody is forcing you to buy a computer with Windows pre-installed on it. People just enjoy hating on Windows. You basically can’t use Linux without having enough know-how to install it yourself anyway. Just delete Windows. Or is the Linux gang really just looking for every little thing to complain about? I think that’s what it is. You guys should spend more time pointing out why Linux should be the status quo, instead of complaining about the current status quo. It gets you nowhere with people who use Windows, and the Apple people laugh at you. So you’re essentially just circle jerking your favorite penguin. Why? Windows didn’t steal your girl. It's an alternative. Buy a laptop that doesn't have an operating system on it, if you're so upset about it. They exist. It took me less than a minute to Google it. Want Linux on it? Buy a Chromebook. The world already conforms to you, and yet you still complain.