EU should force a choice for all new PC. What OS do you want to run? Windows, Linux or Android?
Then you would be able to see real competition in the OS market.
Maybe something like the raspberry pi OS chooser.
In the best of worlds you have everything installed and just choose in the boot menu what to run.
Some manufacturers allow you to get a refund for pre installed windows if you feel like sitting on the phone for hours. Something about a lawsuit involving Microsoft and anticompetitive contracts with the manufacturer not allowing the distribution of other operating systems.
I've seen a story about someone who got a refund for their dell laptop but it was slow, and the support staff was rude about it during the process. They stated things like the Microsoft software is free and why would you want to remove windows anyway, passing him from department to department. It's often $60-$80 depending on the version of windows etc.
Edit: I should clarify it might only be a US thing, I've heard people in France having some luck.
i mean you can just buy a Dell laptop with a copy of Ubuntu preloaded instead, they sell those as an option with most models
It's always better to go that route. I also understand having hardware requirements and not being able to find a version of those models with Linux installed.
I like what system 76 is doing but I don't think they really have competition in the US market right now. If you don't mind a clevo and you live in the US I'd recommend them.
EU should force a choice for all new PC. What OS do you want to run? Windows, Linux or Android? Then you would be able to see real competition in the OS market.
Maybe something like the raspberry pi OS chooser. In the best of worlds you have everything installed and just choose in the boot menu what to run.
Some manufacturers allow you to get a refund for pre installed windows if you feel like sitting on the phone for hours. Something about a lawsuit involving Microsoft and anticompetitive contracts with the manufacturer not allowing the distribution of other operating systems.
I've seen a story about someone who got a refund for their dell laptop but it was slow, and the support staff was rude about it during the process. They stated things like the Microsoft software is free and why would you want to remove windows anyway, passing him from department to department. It's often $60-$80 depending on the version of windows etc.
Edit: I should clarify it might only be a US thing, I've heard people in France having some luck.
i mean you can just buy a Dell laptop with a copy of Ubuntu preloaded instead, they sell those as an option with most models
It's always better to go that route. I also understand having hardware requirements and not being able to find a version of those models with Linux installed.
I like what system 76 is doing but I don't think they really have competition in the US market right now. If you don't mind a clevo and you live in the US I'd recommend them.