Hi guys!

Since I'm planning to buy a new laptop, I was looking for linux compatible ones. And of course I checked also dell's website. Guess what? If you configure 2 laptops to match the same configuration, the one running Ubuntu is going to be about $50 more expensive than the one running Vista.

Check this link and configure it to match the specs of a laptop running Vista:
http://www1.ca.dell.com/content/topi...hs1&l=en&s=dhs

Am I missing something here? I was expecting the Ubuntu one to be $200 more or less cheaper since you're not charged for Vista, right?

What do you think?

I think you're far better off buying whatever laptop you want, and loading Linux later.

Dell won't charge you less, since they will still have to provide the 'quality support', for which Dell has become known. Since you'll probably be transferred to someone there, who will immediately come here and post "URGENT - Can't log in" questions, you'd be better off getting hardware of your choice, and loading the distro of your choice.

I've loaded several models of Sony Vaio, Dells, and Gateways, and all have pretty much worked right off the bat. Wireless is the only gotcha sometimes, but with the maturity of ndiswrapper these days, even that's a small problem.

Of course I'll get the hardware I want, but it's not fare to be charged for a bunch of products I'm not using (like Vista & Co.). Now I have a Vaio on which I'm running Kubuntu. I had Vista only for 2 days until I've found the time to wipe the hdd and install linux. So again, why should I pay for something I'll never use?

Anyway, maybe I'll revert to desktops. Too bad we can't build our own laptops just like we build desktops from components. That would be a lot of fun.

The other thing to keep in mind is that these laptops are pre-configured with the necessary drivers, everything should work.

Granted, it shouldn't cost more than Vista...but you could look at it as a setup fee.

That being said, I'd be more inclined to order the vista one, and then request a refund for Vista...installing Linux myself.

And as someone else mentioned, buy what makes you happy. With enough effort, you can get Linux on anything, and that's how you learn. In my opinion, these preconfigured systems discourage the do-it-yourself attitude that has helped Linux excel. When you're afraid of breaking something, you're less likely to change it.

Oh, I agree totally. It's NOT fair, but I'm sure it has alot to do with Microsoft's contracts with the OEM's. If you had the identical laptop, but the Linux one was $200 cheaper, Joe User would probably go for it, and muddle through the learning curve, which would get to MS in a big way. Equal price? They'll probably stick with what they are already familiar with.

There are always guys who take the unopened, unused Windows licenses back to their OEM's, and get money back. It's a pain, but it CAN be done....

I recently got the GF a new Dell & she wanted XP on it instead of Vista.
It was $100 MORE for the dang thing with XP on it instead of Vista.
By that logic, I'm surprised yours wasn't $200 MORE with Ubuntu on it.
Go figure, eh?

Don't give them ideas, all right? Some dude working for dell might see your post.