[Ubuntu-be] Ostend computer fair report

[Alexandre Laurent]

Hi!

>> Nice detail: he sells all his computers there with (K)ubuntu
>> pre-installed anyway!

> That reminds me of http://www.shscomputer.be/linux.php (did someone
> "tried" it ?).

    Yes, we have. An acquaintance of mine bought an assembled computer 
from them a few months ago. I had talked him into trying Ubuntu, and 
perfect: the website said they actual install Kubuntu!

    So we make an order, specifically asking whether Kubuntu would be 
installed, and come to the store to pick it up. After waiting almost 2 
(yes, two!) hours in line (it's unbelievable how many people come 
there!), we finally get the computer.

    We go home, plug it in, power it on, and... Windows XP comes on the 
screen telling us it needs to be activated or it'll stop working in a 
few days!!! I could not believe my eyes! So I power it off, back on, 
perusing the screen, desperately searching for grub to boot into the 
awaited Kubuntu. And nothing, it simply wasn't there!

    So we call the store and ask them why Kubuntu isn't installed in the 
computer, and why oh why we got that Windows XP we didn't pay for (and 
didn't get a license for). At first, they tell us Kubuntu *is* 
installed, we just didn't see it (press <Escape> to get to grub). 
Moreover, at first they also tell us they *never* install Windows XP 
unless you actually buy it.

    I don't like to be taken for a fool. After a bit of a discussion, 
they finally admit, reluctantly, that they do install Windows XP on 
their computers, admittedly for testing purposes. They suggest we bring 
the computer back if we want Kubuntu installed on it. No thank you, I 
don't feel like waiting hours in line again for something I can do myself.

    So, that's my one experience of them. I haven't tried again, so I 
can't tell you whether or not things always happen that way. I certainly 
hope we were just an "isolated case" and that they usually live up to 
their claims.

    Sincerely,

       Alexandre


Snulkid a écrit :
> Hi
> 
> Le Lundi 30 Octobre 2006 21:59, Jan Claeys a écrit :
>> fair where we and he both are.  Nice detail: he sells all his
>> computers there with (K)ubuntu pre-installed anyway!
> 
> That reminds me of http://www.shscomputer.be/linux.php
> (did someone "tried" it ?).
> Did you have the opportunity to check these pre-installed computers ?
> Do they advertise it on their booth ? How ?
> 
>> Afterwards we went to Bruges to have a drink (well, actually, three
>> drinks ;-) ) 
> 
> Well, that is the difference with us Walloons : François and I had a 
> drink in Liege *before* the fair... But no problem, we won't be seen on 
> Youtube ;-P