Well.it is very usefull, Robert! I am still a linux beginner, but in the mean time I am studying here in Taipei and before I leave I definitely get myself a new laptop. How much cheaper can I get those and could you post some more names, if you know, because I am not very good in identifying this stuff. Or is there any source of information (can be chinese ;-))Thanks a lot Petr Robert Storey wrote:Last week, somebody asked about generic laptops without Windows installed. I posted that Asus and Compal were companies that made these. Just got back from a trip to Taipei. I found that Quanta is the largest maker of these "white box" laptops. Quanta makes laptops for IBM, Dell, etc. They don't sell under the Quanta name, but (at least in Taiwan) they are sold under a number of other names ("Fox" was one I saw in Taipei) with no OS installed. Likewise, Compal sells laptop "white boxes". Asus does sell some laptops under their own name. I have no idea if any of these are available outside of Taiwan, but I suspect they are - again, under some other name so that you can't easily identify the manufacturer. I don't know if that info is useful to anybody, but there it is. - Robert
I can't remember if I already posted a reply to this thread, but I have found that iDot computers (www.idot.com) will sell you a computer with no OS, and it nets you $95 back for opting out of WinMe. I think it is pretty cool, expecially their philosophy on OS's and software (http://www.idot.com/Support/TechnicalSupport/Software.asp). The only downside is that they don't actively support Linux users, but then who does?
O.S. and Software Q: What operating system should I order for my new computer?A: The most customers' demand of operating system is, of course Microsoft Windows. From the good old Windows 3.11 up to the latest XP, from customer still living in the Stone Age to customer that never think anything in this world is new enough for them. We can only tell you that, beyond 2nd edition of Windows 98, whatever you like, we'll like it too; whatever you choose we'll make sure your decision is always right, it will work for you without bringing you any head ache. There is nothing to be proud about running at the newest software in your computer, there is also no need to feel shame of if you simply want to run your computer in DOS 5.0 because your 10 years old game can only play under that. Operating system you choose should only work for you at your command not the other way around. However, our OS selection is based on each computer's configuration and many technical issues have certainly been considered, you just relax, choose one and use it.
Q: What if I have my own OS already or, simply don't want to buy it from you? A: Nobody said that you have to buy the OS from us with your new PC, but it is your right to buy one of a full version OS from the system builder like us with lower "OEM" price to bundle with your new PC. So, you have an old computer that just quit on you, the most value left over is that Windows 98 CD and CD keys, of course you can use your own 98 for the new computer and not waste money for another one. Or, you are a Linux guy; we will not bother to ask you why? Or, why not? Because at this point, you may know better than us for your own operating system, and Windows OS should not be an issue at all. Go to our OS section while you customizing your computer, choose "No operating system" and deduct the price from our default choice.
Q: How can I be sure my own OS will work with the new PC if I don't buy OS from you? If you are a nice Linux person, basically you'll on your own. We have many good friends in your Linux community who's very knowledgeable and can be recommended to you, but except to modify the hardware to meet your need, there're really not much help we can offer to you. For all other Microsoft Windows user, no matter if you purchase the OS or not, your computer will be tested with loads of testing program under Windows environment in our assembling line to ensure the quality. ....
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