when will Dell stop forcing me to buy Windows?

I am sick and tired of being forced to buy a MicroS operating systems. I know on some Vostro there is a Linux configuration but why is it not offered on the latitudes?
It also upsets me the customization step called "operating system" which in reality is just Windows.

I know this is not a new issue but I think in 2010 it's time to stop such racket. I want to be free to choose what software goes on my computer.

So does anybody know if or when the Linux option will be extended to other Dell's?

 

You can already buy the E6400 and E6500 with effectively no OS... just search by "Latitude" and "FreeDOS/Linux" on the SMB pages.

 

true but it's only on some models and there's no price difference. I am also quoting from wiki "A result of OEM licensing with Microsoft, Dell is also prohibited from advertising these computers.[citation needed] Customers must request them specifically or search for them on Dell's website. The company has come under fire for making the FreeDOS-powered machines no cheaper and more difficult to purchase than identical systems running Windows[1]."

 

There's plenty of systems available for purchase without an OS, or with Linux installed. Nobody forces you to buy a Dell, and Dell doesn't force you to do anything. If you want to buy a Dell, you'll have to choose from what they offer. If you buy a Ford truck, you can't come whining about how you're not able to get that truck with a steam engine so you're not feeding the evil oil cartels.

Dell offer what they offer because they feel their selection makes the most profit for them. Once they feel that offering more Linux systems will help their bottom line, they will do so. Welcome to the real world.

 

also add to the mix that Linux is no where near ready enough to offer to the general public as a usable OS!
Imagine the support nightmares Dell would have if they offered it as a selection along side windows.

 

Any non-Windows system is called an N series.

http://www.dell.com/business/laptop...m&navValc=FreeDOS and Linux&a=80770~0~1791343