[ale] OT: M$ vs. Linux netbooks

[Scott Castaline]

Jim Kinney wrote:
> Microsoft is subsidizing the XP netbook prices. They are _paying_ to
> have their rubbish installed. I have zero proof of this other than
> past knowledge of Microsoft business tactics and an extrapolation of
> Microsoft's own admission that Linux on the desktop is a greater
> business threat than Apple.
> 
> Recommendation: Buy the lower priced box, decline the EULA and demand
> a refund of the Microsoft tax and install the distro of your choice.
> 
I've thought of that, but I remember running across someone (about 6 
months ago) a posting about someone who did that with a notepad. It went 
back and forth for about 6 months without any refund for the EULA. The 
vendors justification was that once the system is booted that 
technically you have already started using the OS. This would have made 
the OP's original purchase about a year ago. I have not seen anything 
that reported anyone having success in accomplishing this. Unfortunately 
I do not remember where I originally ran into this. Also the vendor, I 
believe was also Acer.
> 
> On Wed, Mar 4, 2009 at 8:06 AM, Scott Castaline <hscast at charter.net> wrote:
>> I still don't understand how this can be.
>>
>> http://www.mwave.com/mwave/notebook.hmx?
>>
>> I'm referring to the Acer notepads. Same model but the one that comes
>> with M$ XP has an extra 512MB also a 16GB vs an 8GB SSD and a webcam
>> whereas the Linux one does not (as near as I can tell) but the M$
>> version is $40 cheaper than the Linux one. The typical M$ drone is going
>> to go for the "cheaper" Genuine M$ unit and not even consider the Linux
>> unit.
>>
>> Oh well sorry for the noise, but it just gets me when I see this. Also
>> if I missed something, please forgive me as I'm still only on my 2nd of
>> 10 cups of AM java.
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> 
> 
>