Re: Laptop Question


<jessedorland@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:58f097f5-c2b9-40fe-803f-c3c49a89f5e2@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I am going to buy a laptop in near future. As you can imagine I am a
linux user, so I would like to buy a linux friendly laptop.


Smart move

Yesterday, I went to a computer retail store, and I was going to buy
Toshiba Laptop Dual Core. Salesman told me that laptop doesn't come
with operating sytem nor driver! I would need to be an extera $100
dollar for it.

Most unusual. This is the first I have heard of Toshiba bypassing the Microsoft tax.

The ad says that Vista basic is included.
See comment at bottom of my reply


I have never a bought a readymade computer. I always assume built
computer comes with CD drivers, and all the software and operating
system installed in it.

The usual licencing agreement forced on manufacturers by MS requires a licence for each machine manufactured, even if user does not want Vista.


Am I wrong?

Perhaps....


PS: I was going to buy Toshiba Laptop; this is the link

http://tiny.cc/aYh2a

Toshiba Satellite Intel Core 2 Duo T5450 1.66GHz Laptop (A200-FT1) -
Future Shop Exclusive

These days, you do not get a windows cd with the computer. Instead, the windows approved image is on a hidden partition on the hard drive. This is fine if you need to reinstall, but is bad news if your hard drive fails.

I have an Acer 5101, and it uses this method. I shrank the partition and installed mandriva 2007 in the free pace at the end of the drive. Worked perfectly - even the wireless configured itself properly.

I still have XP for when I need it, but I can use linux in unsecured hot spots with very little risk or worry.

I don't know the 'retail' value of vista home basic, but I understand (and could be way wrong on this) that the manufacturers only pay about $30 for a licence, so that is the maximum you could expect to have taken off the retail price to buy it without vista ( if that is even possible)

A caution about Future Shop - I buy a fair bit of stuff from them, but I have found that the salesmen are somewhat less than fully informed about their products.

Stuart

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