HP or Dell Refund

I was thinking of picking up a second notebook to run Linux on and with a glossy screen for something different. I was wondering if anyone has any experience recently of getting a refund for Vista on their machines from either Dell or HP. Thanks for any help.

 

Wasn't there a "Windows Refund" movement a few years past?

 

I haven't heard of any recent experiences, but there's a lot of hits on google.
I'm just guessing here, but Dell may not issue a refund because they do offer open-source PC's, they might just say "should have bought an open-source model instead".
It wouldn't hurt to ask them though, and I'd do your research first, so you're armed with knowlege before you call.

 

I know you can do it with HP, but it's not worth your time. You'd be saving less money than if you were working for minimum wage

 

From what I've heard, the only way you could possibly stand a chance for a Windows refund is if you refused to accept the Microsoft EULA (Terms & Conditions) during the first Vista boot or installation. The man who inspired the Refund movement (and succeeded) took photographic documentation for every stage of his refusal. In any case, I don't think anyone else succeeded in getting refunded except that guy and maybe a few others. The movement pretty much died.

 

You're better off customizing a notebook from powernotebooks, xoticpc, etc. You'll ultimately get what you want and save money, especially if you're not buying an OS.

 

Recently I read a post here on NBR asking the same question, it had a link to this website, with details on a refund from HP. (but probably you've found this one yourself...)
Apparantly it takes perseverance but it can be done.
Good luck.

 

Why not just order a Dell with Ubuntu already installed?

 

Stupidly enough, a 1525N (linux) is actually more expensive than a 1525 (windows).

 

Mostly because the junkware subsidizes the cost of the hardware.

 

Partially right. Their Linux computers use different hardware and the cost of that hardware is more.

 

They use the same hardware, just the choices are limited. It really does come to the fact that software being installed makes the laptop a little cheaper.

 

You also have to factor in the fact that a linux machine is for linux enthusiasts...people who are going to be willing to pay a premium.

Then again, those same people know that you can easily install linux on a windows machine.

 

In all reality, I think its just a move to rip customers off. Until they offer the same notebook at the same price minus the portion for Windows...

 

I'm talking about stuff like the Linux Dell computers and the EEEPC, the Linux version uses different hardware that is more compatible with Linux thus costing more.

 

Actually, the reason the linux inspirons are more expensive, I read, is because they use third party codecs with their DVD player software, and guess who gets the royalty?
Microsoft.
It's Dell's own "remastered" ubuntu.

 

x86 is x86 man. Now, it might use different hardware in that you are using a specific WiFi card for a Linux driver, or something like that.

 

I'd believe it.

For the record, though, Dell does sell n Series Latitudes with just the hardware and a freeDOS kit. (Essentially no OS preinstalled, unless freeDOS counts. ) I haven't done a price check in a while, but last time I looked these were cheaper than their Windows counterparts.

Dell Open-Source Laptops

 

I was talking about a change in hardware as you said.

 

Well this is interesting...
I configured a 1525 and 1525N, same exact specs, only the 1525 has the Dell Wireless 1395 802.11g wireless card, and the 1525N has the Intel 3945 802.11a/g card, and the prices come out:
1525N $669
1525 $674

If you check it out, notice in the operating system section, it says "Ubuntu 8.04 with DVD playback". Interesting, the windows version is $5 more expensive... that could be interpreted a couple different ways.