Posted on Thursday 29th of March 2007 at 13:57 in Linux

How to get a Windows free machine from Dell

It's been in the press today that Dell have announced that they're going to supply machines without Windows installed and while this is excellent news - they are doing this already, you just need to ask.

While hunting for a Windows-free notebook recently I pinged an email to Dell's customer support team querying whether they could satisfy my Linux-computing needs. What ensued was a long and drawn out process - but that's a good point.

The thing with Dell was they have an entire range of secret notebooks without operating systems...

Hidden out of view and out of reach, you need to get an assistant to help pick one off the shelf for you. They're called the N-Series and they're sold without operating systems preloaded - meaning they're cheaper. So the question is how do you actually get one?

1. Email Dell outlining your intentions
Sending an email explaining that you want a machine without Windows seemed to be sufficient for the correct person to get back to you.

2. Discuss your requirements
The N-Series range is quite large it seems (largely focused on the Latitude business laptops) and therefore there's plenty of room for performance/budget requirements.

3. Read the quote
The Dell operative will send you a quote/spec list for the machine which you can either discuss or agree to. It really is as simple as that.

With such a simple process, I find it strange that Dell have hidden this for so long

There are many people in my position; wanting a notebook without the price of an operating system that you'll uninstall within minutes. Other vendors weren't so welcoming but Dell did everything in their power to get my sale. They offered me 8-10 different notebooks with different prices and tried their hardest to make it the best deal available.

Therefore, I must recommend Dell if you're considering buying a laptop without Windows installed because unlike other companies they cared about my business. They didn't get it because I have no money at the moment but if I was going to buy - I certainly would be from them. They're the smart decision because they care about your custom, you get warrenty etc. and with them announcing their future dedication to Windows-free machines - it's likely that you'll be in good hands in the future.

Kudos Dell. Kudos.

 

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