windows tax refund

[Daniel Mons]

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peter baker wrote:
> just read this interesting article on getting a windows tax refund in
> the states <http://www.linux.com/articles/59381>
>  
> anyone had any experience of this here?
> 
> -- 
> www.peter.id.au <http://www.peter.id.au>
> 

I have tried and failed on several occasions.  I've used all of the
arguments suggested in that link, and others that have cropped up.  What
typically happens is the sales/support person escalates you to a
manager, and the manager still says "no" anyway.  All courteous and
friendly of course (on both sides), but with utterly no luck in
achieving the desired goal.

The article suggests small claims court, which I personally find tragic
as a final resort, and something I have neither the patience nor stomach
for.

While it pains me, I limit myself to devices that aren't bundled with
Windows.  Desktops and workstations are easy enough (I build my own from
parts), and similarly servers are easy to get without Windows, as that
market need is well understood by OEMs.

Laptops are still painful, although it is changing slowly.  I've not had
to buy a laptop personally for some time (children are still young, and
I get hardware supplied from work).  But when the time does come, I'll
choose one that is windows-free.  Unfortunately that grossly limits my
hardware choices, and more importantly will not be heard by the Dells,
HPs, Acers and Toshibas of this world (I'm sure their marketing
think-tanks will believe I'm buying an Asus EeePC because it's cheap and
light, and not because it comes without Windows).  But again with the
utter failure that is Vista, that may change.

- -Dan
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