Buy a computer without windoze
 

I want to buy a new laptop with AMD Ryzen 7 processors.

I am in China.

We saw a good laptop from HP with 5800U Ryzen7 processors, more than enough computer for my puny needs! (No games, no manipulating videos, just simple stuff.)

The gf called HP today and asked if they would sell it to me without Windoze.

They said, and I quote: "We can't do that, it's a government regulation: all computers must have Windows!"

Really??

Does Microsoft belong to China now??

The Chinese government pretty much does as it pleases, requires as it pleases. It might be that the Chinese government limits the HP models allowed for sale at its whim, one that might deny sale without an installed (Windows) operating system.

Generally speaking, low volume or special models cost the business that makes them extra, for which usually a premium price is attached. Most PCs and laptops without Windows installed are very low volume, so usually cost more, not equal or less. Typically it's best just to accept Windows, then delete it if it isn't wanted. It doesn't really cost anything to a retail computer buyer.

A while back I had a shop build a box to my specs. They would do a burn-in the whole deal. They got very bitter and twisted when I said I didn't want Windozw, I'd organise Linux for it. They needed to install 'doze for the burn-in and were loath to remove it - and it wouldn't save me anything. I just told them to leave it.

Must be nice being Microsoft: every computer sold must contain your product.

As far as I know, Windows is never free like Ubuntu. I think it costs about US$140 for the home edition. Even when you buy it with the computer, it's probably not free!

Isn't forced sale a cartel? Illegal in most countries??

Most manufacurers are contracted to install Windows, for which they get it dirt cheap, a few £££'s - it's how Microsoft can get its OS into peoples homes & businesses. Once people use a computer, they get stuck, because they don't want to learn something new, another reason why so many people are using vastly out dated Windows software.

Just buy it at its normal price, try to sell the licence, if you can, & put Linux onto the disk. :)

Billy G. vaccine-gates
https://nypost.com/2021/01/15/bill-g...merica-report/

Yes, that kind of activity has been going on since the illegal¹, per-processor² fees. Within weeks of that getting shutdown, M$ moved to sales "partnerships" and so on, to keep the same functional effect. After a while they were on the way to make white-box systems illegal. That is why you generally cannot buy a system without an OS and just install your own any more.

Keep asking vendors.

What are your options abount (re-)importing from the EU or the US? There is a growing number of good vendors on both sides of the Atlantic now.

¹ USA v Microsoft: Civil Action No. 94-1564 (SS) Competitive Impact Statement

² USA v Microsoft: Judge Charles R. Richey

There are only two ways to voice our discontent
1- Build our own rig
2- Stop buying new computers. We can 'downgrade' to lighter distros like Antix, Puppy ... and continue to live happily ever after.
It's good for the environment too.

Really, we can stop buying new computers without "downgrading" since there are so many Windows users that seem to need the latest and greatest so there are always quite high-end machines available on the used market.

The firm that said Chinese computers had to use Windows were lying in the hope that you would buy their product! In fact, the Chinese government is moving to Linux:
Linux migration in China
Kylin

Yes but the idea there is that you are having to pay the microsoft tax. The OEM has to charge $40 for a microsoft licence, and they pass that on to you. The excuse usually given is that the OEM has to test it, and that requires windows.

Some people on Newegg are now selling computers without an OS. The same model is $40 cheaper that the windows one. So, they have figured out how to do it, and they come with a warranty.

With the sooperflu the pawn brokers are full of them..tools too

Craigslist has been a place to watch for decent used computers this last year. I've seen i7 4790, 24GB RAM, 1TB HD, DT 710, for $100 in my area.

As per post #8...the last few times I have needed a new PC I just bought the bits.

It is usually impossible to buy a laptop in parts to build it yourself. I might not even trust parts bought in some countries. Wonder if you can get a product from outside your country?

I'd wonder what sort of programs might also be included in a computer bought in some countries, even Sony had issues.

Guess if you live in China you might more easily find out if the seller's statement is accurate. I know they are working on either a clone of MS or a complete replacement. They did have a linux distro.

However, you should be able to buy anything and replace it with linux, and check it via some good firewall.