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Equal opportunity for Linux - let us choose at the checkout what operating system we want for our laptop (backtoeu.eu)

submitted 1 year ago by darko@feddit.org to c/buyfromeu@feddit.org

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As we all know, the EU loves regulation, sometimes even overregulation. One area where I feel that regulation would help is computer hardware sale. When I want to buy a laptop and I visit the online retailers, normally 80% of the laptops come with Windows, 10% Linux and 10% Freedos or without any. I would very much welcome if the EU made it mandatory for manufaturers to offer the choice of OS when buying a new laptop. Just like you chose the color, how much RAM you wanted, SSD size, you could also chose what operating system you want it with. As part of that, manufacturers would be obliged to send a fix donation after every sold piece to the corresponding Linux distro team, which would help the chronic underfunding issue. Not sure how much the manufacturers pay for Windowsfor the license, but theoretically the Linux equivalent machine should be cheaper even after the donation. Any views are welcome.

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[–] Limonene@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

A lot of places that offer both Linux and Windows (like Dell) charge the same price, because the Windows license is subsidized by crapware, spyware, and demo software that they load onto the computer.

[–] bjorney@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 year ago

Lenovo apparently offers the choice on some models, with the windows license adding $140 to the price of the laptop.

[–] kernelle@0d.gs 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Huh that might be new, when I bought my XPS 13 from them in 2019 it was a 200 euro difference when buying with Windows vs Ubuntu

[–] GenosseFlosse@feddit.org 0 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

It's not new. Every time a computer comes with a "free trial" for a virus scanner, cloud subscription service, office software or other crap ware the manufacturer gets a cut when the user converts to the paid version after the trial.

[–] kernelle@0d.gs 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Oh ofcourse, but there being no price difference is definitely new for dell. I needed a Windows laptop at the time, but bought the Ubuntu one because it was literally €200 cheaper.

Edit: This is CRAZY, just checked Dell website. Buying one with Ubuntu instead of W11 Home will cost you €250 MORE. That's insane.

[–] dopaminejunkie7396@kbin.earth 2 points 1 year ago

There are manufacturers that sell Linux computers only. Buy from them if possible.

if you buy from a manufacturer that also sell Windows machine you support Windows indirectly too.

[–] RedSnt@feddit.dk 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

When I want to buy a laptop and I visit the online retailers, normally 80% of the laptops come with Windows, 10% Linux and 10% Freedos or without any.

FreeDOS? I'd love to know a retailer that sell laptops with FreeDOS.

[–] curbstickle@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 1 year ago

A bunch of companies had or have an agreement with MS not to sell hardware without an OS, FreeDOS was the workaround, basically loaded to get wiped.

MSI did it for sure, same with HP and I think Asus. Not sure how many still do it though. I haven't bought premade new (including laptops) in quite some time.