Re: [Fsfe-uk] Quest for a Windows7 refund in the UK - laptop upgraded to GNU+Linux

[Sam Tuke]

On Thursday 05 May 2011 13:54:17 Neil Darlow wrote:
> This seems to be a common attitude, unfortunately. I guess manufacturers
> regard the provision of an OS as essential to operation of the machine and
> why would anyone want to remove or change it?

I have been told that it pays manufacturers handsomely to install Windows 
because of the revenue they get from software like Norton, Kaspersky, 
Microsoft (for pre-installing additional trials like Office), games, and all 
the 
other stuff that typically comes pre-embedded in a new laptop these days. 
Therefore there may be a strong monetary incentive to use Windows and not 
GNU/Linux - even if GNU/Linux is free of licensing fees (which it isn't when 
distros like Linpus lite are used), then it could still be 'more expensive' 
for manufacturers because of the loss of these extra 'subsidies'.

> > Eventually I ran out of time, and then found a friend who wanted the
> > Windows7 code anyway. Instead I've decided I will simply buy the laptop
> > from a company like Dell which sells ubuntu laptops next time.
> > Otherwise, hopefully the EU would legislate eventually to support
> > purchasing laptop without OSs.

This is a long term battle. I believe that the Italian Association for Users 
and Consumers Rights (ADUC) is currently in court trying to force MS to 
reimburse license cost to GNU/Linux users. See:  
http://fsfe.org/news/2011/news-20110321-01.en.html

> I am presently looking for a decent, N550-based, netbook having suffered
> problems associated with an Asus Eee 900 (apalling battery life) and an
> Acer Aspire One AO751 (non-existent Poulsbo graphics support in newer
> distributions). While Dell may be GNU/Linux friendly, I find the
> specifications of some of their products considerably inferior to
> competitors on a price-for-price comparison basis.

Recently two friends of mine bought new netbooks and I was unable to find a 
GNU/Linux based Acer netbook anywhere for sale in the UK. They used to be 
available with (the lamentable) Linpus Lite, which was a start, but now all 
the netbooks except for some Dells seem to have Windows 7. This is an awful 
step backwards.
 
> A bigger issue for me, accepting that I will throw away Windows and install
> GNU/LInux, is that doing so will probably void my warranty. It shouldn't
> but I suspect that attempting to make a warranty claim after switching the
> OS will have its share of problems.

Personally I'd be very surprised if this is so. I don't see how this could be 
legal, and I wouldn't assume it to be the case without proof. Also, previously 
when I've sent back laptops under warranty the repair people have had 
apparently no interest whatsoever in the installed OS. Depending on the issue 
they usually use automated diagnostic tools for hardware problems and ignore 
installed software altogether. It really depends on the company though.

Thanks,

Sam.

-- 
Sam Tuke
British Team Coordinator
Free Software Foundation Europe
IM : address@hidden
Contact the British team: address@hidden

signature.asc
Description: This is a digitally signed message part.