I'm in the UK. I want to buy a laptop. I don't want to buy Windows.

As far as I've been able to tell, it's impossible. No-one I've spoken to will sell me a laptop without Windows pre-installed (Macs excluded of course).

I'd prefer to buy one with Linux pre-installed, so I can be sure that all the hardware is supported, but I don't really mind; if I have to bring my copy of SuSE or Mandrake to the shop, so be it.

When it comes to desktop machines it's easier, because if the worst comes to the worst, you can build one yourself, and avoid paying MS that way. But you can't do that with a laptop.

I'm on the point of giving up, and just paying up the MS tax, but I thought I'd ask here first: are there any UK retailers you can recomend that sell laptops with Linux preinstalled?


(It's no wonder Linux isn't gaining market share if you can't actually buy a machine with Linux on it even if you want to - none of the retaillers I've spoken to were prepared to even talk about Linux for any length of time)

Try Digital Networks. I read about them on CNet a while back.

Steve

worst? building your own desktop machine is very easy...i would say it's the best not the worst. why would you ever buy a desktop?

Evesham technologies sell a desktop with Mandrake 9.1 installed.
That way you would get around all the setup probs.

I almost bought it.

Thanks all for the replies...

speter: Thanks for the link. DNUK looked good, but don't seem to offer Linux on their laptops. Everything else, but not laptops.

shellcode: Yes, you're right - it is easy (for desktop machines, at least); I've done it myself, and I have no problem doing it again.
However, not everyone (most people I know, in fact) has the time, ability or confidence to try it, especially when prices for prebuilt systems are often equal to or less than the cost of buying the same parts retail.

greatgatsby: Yes, I'd already looked through the Evesham website, and also put my nose into one of their stores, but I never saw any sign of linux. Looking at the site again, I still don't see anything.

Anyone have any other suggestions?


(I might visit the Evesham store again, and ask about that Elinux system, though)

it's hidden away under desktops > review desktops >linux format quest

here's the url

http://www.evesham.com/PCs/Info.asp?...E-818CFB59FCDE

I phoned them to see if I could see one but they don't keep any in the showroom as demand is low.

Doh! Sorry. I wonder why they don't.

Steve

www.powernotebooks.com

Great pre-and post-sales support.

Several models packaged with Linux.

doc

Very interesting site (I did specify UK-based, though )

Try www.ebuyer.com

They don't offer Laptops with Linux installed, but I've definitely seen a few that don't come with an O/S so you don't have to pay M$. Perhaps not ideal as you'll have to install Linux yourself and there's no guarantee it'll like all the hardware, but they do tend to be a lot cheaper than most other places.

Just came across this thread. There is a company called EmperorLinux that sells laptops with a choice of distros. They do the install and configurations and deliver it ready to go out of the box.

http://www.emperorlinux.com/


Very best,
Nick

I heard recently of a UK firm that sells laptops with either no OS or with Windows. I have never dealt with them, so I do not know what they're like for after-sale services. I heard of them because one of the people in the firm lives locally to me and is mates with somebody that is doing the CCNA course with me. They're URL is: www.worryfreeit.co.uk