Posted on Tuesday 20th of March 2007 at 07:05 in Linux

The quest for a Windows free notebook (part two)

In this episode, Acer actually reply to my question of whether having a Windows-free notebook is possible. In short, yes it is. But hang on... Do I actually have to pay more to have it without?

After my first article on finding a Windows free notebook (and changing how I review distros) I pinged a series of emails off to various reputable vendors querying what options I have available. Ideally (with a tight budget) I'm looking for a decent laptop for running Linux (and all the Beryl effects that I love so much) without a massive price tag. So sponsorship would be a nice option but I was really looking for someone to explain how much money could be saved by removing Windows from the price.

Acer answered my question



This morning I received an email from Acer UK's customer service team supplying me with the documents required to claim back the cost of Windows against a purchase. A nice step in the right direction I feel, but the prices offered don't seem to quite match up with what I'd expect an OEM copy of Windows to cost.

Acer told me:
"Acer will refund you in accordance with the value of the Operating System shipped with your Acer product."

And that:
"Please be aware that shipment of the product to our repair centre and back to you after the removal of windows will be at your own expense."

So excuse me... You'll remove Windows at a cost to me, then refund the value of the OEM system?



Classic stuff. The only way this could be worthwhile is if the refunded value is good... Which it isn't. At all.

Acer said:
"XP Home, Vista Home Basic and Vista Business = 30 Euro (approximately ?20)
XP Professional, XP Media Centre and Vista Home Premium = 60 Euro (approximately ?40)"

Riiiiight. So XP Home costs the same as Vista Home Basic does it? I'm reasonably sure that Vista HB costs more than ?20. Infact this Amazon listing (not affiliate) indicates that it's like ?55. I've got to say, I'd rather have an OEM license key for Vista for ?20 than I would faff around with Acer.

However, Acer said that I'd be paying for the shipment of the product to and from the repair centre to get Windows removed from the machine. So - as a customer I would have to hope that shipping is less than the ?20 I'd be saving removing Vista. Which I'm 99% certain is not the case. I'd say it costs more to ship a 4lbs notebook to Plymouth and back than the ?20 I'd be refunded.

I'm sorry Acer, I won't be purchasing anything from you. NEXT!

 

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Comments

Showing most recent 20 of 22 comments [View all comments]

I want build my bussines, but I need a portable device which can edit & bring my project everywhere, can u help me? please give me a notebook...

if u want help me this my address :
Beran Kidul RT05/RW29, Tridadi, Sleman, Sleman, DIY, Indonesia

Thanks Be4
Dear Sir.
I'm a teacher from Indonesian. I very need a notebook for my teaching, i don't have't much money to buy notebook. Please help me. my address: Mertosanan Kulon RT 01, Potorono, Banguntapan, Bantul 55196. Beside to teach my student, I needed to write my book & my job in school (Administration in School)

Thank' s Very Very Much for your help
Dear Sir,
Please help me, I want to get a free laptop for study my son. Because I'm haven't much money to buy the laptop.
Please help me Sir.
This my address : Jl. A. Yani 80 Padangan - Bojonegoro - Jawa Timur - Indonesia - 62162.
Thank's for your's
so.. it's almost impossible to buy microsoft-free notebook in UK?
I just spend good 4h looking for one on the internet, but no - even the refurbished/second hand are available with M$ OS.

:/
Dear Sir.
I'm a student from Ukraine. I need a notebook but i dont have money to buy it. Please help me if you can. Thank you! My e-mail: rockman_skif@mail.ru

PLEASE!!!!
You can't get free laptops, I have solution get a free apple iphone/mp3player/HDTV with xpango program, visit http://www.xpango.com?ref=91321462 to find out more !
Can't I get a free notebook, help me sir .
hI i WANT TO CONVERT MY ACER PORTABLE NOTEBOOK TO WINDOWS AS MINE CAME WITHOUT IT.
ANYONE KNOW HOW TO DO THIS
THANKS
I want to had laptop.. please gave thu how him...
i want to get laptop, but i can use it, please help me to learn it
help me to study well,,,please give me a modest laptop even it s refurbished
i want a notebook but i dont have money to buy it. can you help me
Dear sir
We are kids ministry voulenter in indonesia
We already colecting some fund from sponsor ,voulenter and also kids were joy get involved so we got LCD projector here its very helpful for kids like the multimedia
But for portable reason we need a notebook now( isnt new ones is ok but working) , Visit our ministry will be honour for us , sure we really like to coorporate for any needed ,thank you , REgards Gracious Family , Children Church_Assembly of God_Bunga Bakung_Surakarta_Indonesia_+62 271726340_Agus Setyo Budhi_hefree21@yahoo.com
Click On This Link TO Get A Free Laptop: http://laptops.freepay.com/?r=40608544 IS NOT A SCAM!!! Proved 100% Legit By BBC and CCN
i’m a last student at university
i need laptop so much but i cant get cause i came from unlucky family
can anyone help me, please!!!
I want to get a notebook, but I don’t have a money. can you help me?
i have wanted a laptop forever but dont have a credit card or money to get it can you help please
i want notebook, but i can’t buy it, i’m very needed, can you help me
Good morning! My name is Laylo. I am from Uzbekistan. I know English little but I want go to the USA badly. I have question for you. Can you present me Notebook. I want it but I have not mony orcredit card.
Please, answer me...
I want it because i don’t have money

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