Buying a new machine for Linux use

donalfm

Hi,

Dell are wrecking my head. They're the best value (cheapest) I can find for a new PC, but the deals I've been looking at all contain Vista premium, a free printer or MS Works or whatever.

I want to buy a machine without an OS or with a Linux variant pre-installed. I will then add some MS OS and Office later to dual boot. I can get MS apps free (legally) through work. So, I want to avoid the Windows tax when buying a machine and get the maximum hardware specs for my buck. Can anyone point me in the right direction in Ireland for buying a decent configurable machine? My budget is about €800.

Hoping to get a decent dual core (AMD), 2GB RAM & a reasonable graphics card for this.

Sound,
D.

Capt'n Midnight

you could try for the windows refund

Snowbat

Or ask them when they plan to launch Dimensions with Ubuntu (or no OS) in Europe as they've done in the US recently.
http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/alliances/en/linux?c=ie&cs=iegent1&l=en&s=gen

Civilian_Target

www.komplett.ie
System builder, no operating system

Tom Dunne

Try the Dell outlet on E-bay. You'll get a decent enough machine for €300-€400.

Orion

Capt'n Midnight wrote:

you could try for the windows refund

http://www.thealternative.ch/tiki-index.php?page=Software-Refund-en

Just tried the same thing myself. Got the laptop, installed Ubuntu, and want my tax back

I'll let you know how I get on with them.

Orion

My mail:

Hello
I received the machine, the ordering went flawlessly. Thank you! :-) Unfortunately, it was not possible to order/buy the machine without Windows Vista. I do not need Windows Vista and would like to make use of my right to return it. I declined the license and have re-partitioned and formatted the Laptop and installed Ubuntu Linux. So, the conditions as designated in the Dell/Vista-license are fulfilled
and I would like to get the purchase price for Windows Vista Business refunded. Please inform me about how to proceed further. Thank you!

And the reply I just got:

Thank you for contacting Dell Online Customer Care.

I will refund you the cost of Windows Vista Business which you should receive within 5-7 working days.

Meanwhile, if you have any further queries, please do not hesitate in replying directly to this mail and I will be glad to assist you.

Kind Regards,
Dell Customer Care.

Now that's a result.

scojones

Nice one Macros.

Did you get the E520/E521?

Orion

It's a laptop I got - the Inspiron 6400. New desktop is a self-build - E6400/2gb/8800GTS/650W Corsair/2*750Gb Barracudas/Asus P5b-E/Thermaltake Armor full tower. Thats on bunty too.

Oracle

Great news, that's 3 people who've gotten a refund from Dell Ireland, so far that I know of. Would you care to share with us how much they're refunding you? (It would be helpful as a guide for anyone else considering doing the same thing.)

Orion

Forgot to reply to this sorry - the refund was for about €40 for Vista Business.