Date:  Tue, 27 Jan 2004 10:19:16 -0500
From:  "Mark Dodel" <madodel at ptdprolog.net>
Subject:  [VOICENWS] HW: Tim's Warped Bargains: Microsoft-Free Desktops


From: Timothy Sipples  

Dear Bargain Hunters:

I'm hoping IBM will follow suit on its web site (for the mass market), but
I did want to point out that Dell Small Business is now offering PCs that
do not require you to pay the "Microsoft tax."  That's because these
systems include a copy of FreeDOS (http://www.freedos.org) in the box (but
not installed -- the hard disk is empty)

FreeDOS is an open source version of DOS.  Dell evidently imagines that
most purchasers of these desktop systems (their "n" models) will install
Linux, eComStation, or other non-Microsoft operating systems.  (Without
paying money to Microsoft for something they don't use.)

Here's the direct link to Dell's n-model web site:

<http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/compare.aspx/desktops_n?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd>

For a 3% cash rebate, visit FatCash.com, then link to Dell Small Business
from there instead.  I would also recommend monitoring FatWallet.com for
information on Dell Small Business coupon codes that pop up from time to
time.

As an example, as I write this you can get a basic Dell desktop system
(without monitor and without Microsoft Windows) for $319 with free
shipping.

Wal-Mart (http://www.wal-mart.com) is also selling new Microsoft-free PCs
from its online store at prices starting below $200.

[Moderator note: I did find OS-less and Linux PCs on Walmart.com at
<http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=86796&path=0%3A3944%3A3951%3A41937%3A86796>

and bulid-your-own at
<http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product_listing.gsp?cat=96954&path=0%3A3944%3A3951%3A41937%3A86796%3A96951%3A96954>

and OS-less notebooks at
<http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product_listing.gsp?cat=126548&path=0%3A3944%3A3951%3A4070%3A126547%3A126548> 
Note there is no promise that all features of these Walmart or the Dell
systems will work with OS/2-eCS.  This is just an option to investigate
where no microsoft operating system is required.]

Of course, you might have to search a bit for a couple drivers for your
favorite operating system.  Audio and ethernet are the most likely to be
the problem areas, in that order.  However, it's probably worth the risk
since you can always buy an inexpensive PCI adapter (with driver support)
for either of these functions.  I also don't think the risk is
particularly high.

I have no affiliation with any of these companies.





--
 Warpstock 2003 - San Francisco, California, October 18-19
 See the video and presentations:  http://www.warpstock.org

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