Laptop with no OS

[aland]

Is it possible to buy laptops with no OS installed? I'm looking to install Debian on it and don't want to have to pay for an OS license that I'm not going to use.

Cheers, Alan

[Agent]

Woth a read : http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6144782.stm

[aland]

Interesting, I wonder if all claims are handled so quickly. Does anyone have any experience with this, specifically from ASUS?

[Andrzej]

I was running marketing for a major PC manufacturer when - during a presentation by a top Microsoft bod - the question was raised about them 'forcing' systems to be shipped with Windows

The rebuff was strong - precisely worded - and well practiced

We were left in no doubt that Microsoft have a policy of 100% ZERO resistance to machines shipping with an alternative OS

They will go out of their way to appear fair in this respect

As far as I am aware, the only objection to Linux etc that they will raise is that (they allege) it violates over 200 patents - so is not a good idea for customers to use it

[Acidmax]

Good info there. I bought a Compal re-branded laptop from a company (not in the UK) and they shipped with windows installed, but, no licence, so i basically didnt have to pay for the O/S unless i went out and bought a licence for it. Good option!