[Wylug-help] Linux Notebooks

[Erskine, John]

I'm thinking about getting a cheap laptop, but one which allow me a
wireless connection but finding one without Windows seems quite
difficult (don't need it and don't want it). I also don't see why I
should pay for something I have no intention of using.

 

This reply from Rockdirect is very typical

 

"Hi John,

 

    This is mainly related to our warranty. In order to test each
machine before it leaves us we need to install an operating system and
compatible software to do so. As Windows is the only operating system
that we supply we have no other options apart from this, and I would
estimate that around 99%(maybe higher) of rock users will be using
windows with the machines even if dual booted with another OS.

 

Device drivers for notebook components(e.g. unique chassis, graphics,
modems, etc) are a lot harder to obtain and are often only available for
Windows. Windows drivers are also updated a lot more frequently to allow
to overcome any rare but unforeseen shortfalls that we missed in the
original design process.

 

As you may already be aware; we supply all machines with a 3 year
warranty(parts& labour), this level of service can potentially prove to
be very costly for us. Hardware failures can be very hard to confirm or
diagnose if the user has configured and installed there own operating
system, so we would need to perform a complete reload of an OS, one that
we are certain is compatible. I understand that we can only load Windows
on a customers machine if they hold a valid license.

 

I hope this answers your questions and I'm sorry that we cannot meet
your exact needs. I'm afraid that from my personal experiences I would
be very surprised if you could find a notebook manufacturer that would
supply without an OS. 

Best Regards,

Ben Carless
Sales Account Manager
www.rockdirect.com
ben.carless at rock-group.plc.uk"

Anyone got any ideas or recommendations?

John Erskine

 


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