[ubuntu-za] High a laptop that is OS independent with a decent warranty for Ubuntu?

[FransIT]

On 12/05/25 13:13, David Apter wrote:
> It's about time Ubuntu users are able to buy a laptop/ultrabook 
> pre-loaded!  The Dell xps13 and Asus zenbook would be good examples!
>
> As an 'open systems' user I do NOT want to donate towards MS funds by 
> default!  Ubuntu can not truly be regarded as a 'free' OS while users 
> are first mugged by MS.
>
> Ubuntu will never become a mainstream OS for laptop/mobile users as 
> long as there is no 'product' to attract _new_ users!! Even for 
> 'experienced users' switching OS is  time and money wasted!!  
> Moreover, Ubuntu pre-installed on a laptop should permit a cost advantage.
Even if there is not much of an advantage in price(it could help to 
subsidise the programmers), I would much rather prefer to buy a 
pre-installed Ubuntu machine, as there should in the very least be a 
performance difference.
>
> Further, any hardware warranty dictated to by software(ie OS) is 
> ludicrous.  The hardware manufacturer probably is hiding a 'weakness' 
> in their product.
>
> Canonical, Dell, Asus .... are you listening?
> Maybe not .... eish, that MacAir is starting to look more enticing......
>
> Dave Apter
>
>
> On Thu, May 24, 2012 at 3:43 PM, Tom Bamford <tom at aims.ac.za 
> <mailto:tom at aims.ac.za>> wrote:
>
>     On 22 May 2012 10:25, Paul Young <paulysa at gmail.com
>     <mailto:paulysa at gmail.com>> wrote:
>     > Recently I purchased a Dell N5110, mostly for its 3 year
>     warranty with
>     > Windows x64 Home Premium. If I had removed Windows and put
>     Ubuntu on it the
>     > 3 year warranty would have been forfeited.
>     >
>     > Thus, is there a way to purchase decent laptop hardware and not
>     be bound to
>     > Microsoft or Mac in South Africa?
>     >
>     > A brief internet search suggests this to be possible overseas.
>     >
>     > Thanks
>     >
>
>     In the UK at least, a manufacturer would not be able to get away with
>     refusing to honour a warranty because you replaced the OS. Perhaps the
>     CPA provides similar protection here?
>
>     That said, I would be likely to keep the Windows install and dual
>     boot, as others have suggested. Try upgrading a BIOS or firmware, or
>     accessing manufacturer tech support, when running only Linux. PITA.
>     And of course you can wipe the Linux install and expand the Windows
>     partition should you ever need to return it (although wiping the whole
>     drive would achieve the same).
>
>     Regards
>     Tom
>
>     --
>     System Administrator
>     African Institute for Mathematical Sciences
>     Cape Town, South Africa
>     Tel: +27 (0)21 787 9328 <tel:%2B27%20%280%2921%20787%209328>
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>
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>
>
>

-- 
  When working on a computer you have to know enough:
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  Google what you can't fake.
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Frans de Waal
IT Manager/
Dormakorp