[ubuntu-uk] Awareness-Raising Campaign Idea (was Ubuntu CNR deal)

[alan c]

SteVe Cook wrote:
> alan c wrote:
>> Alan Pope wrote:
>>> On Wed, Feb 14, 2007 at 10:14:57AM +0000, alan c wrote:
>>>> Have you seen how absolutely difficult it is to get a PC *without* 
>>>> windows?
>>>> For example, I believe that all of the Dell soho range are now 
>>>> offering vista. Only.
>>>>
>>> Not strictly true. Try phoning them up rather than ordering them online. I know people who have ordered computers 
>>> from Dell with no OS just by phoning and asking.
>> 
>> Really? I am surprised. There have been two detailed reports in recent 
>> weeks about two individuals one in usa and one uk I think, who managed 
>> to get a refund of the windows tax from dell. Each took about two days 
>> on the phone it seems, but with preparation and skill, they were 
>> successful.
>> 
>> Which type of computers did your contacts purchase, and do you think 
>> the deal was of a form that could be made public? If so, I do not 
>> understand why it has not apparently been publicised, it is 
>> significant stuff, particularly with the Dell history of being 
>> persuaded to avoid linux a few years ago after M. Dell had got 
>> enthusiastic and bought into three linux related organisations and 
>> started making linux noises.
>> 
>> I would like to publicise purchases such as you describe, if possible.
> 'tis on their web site 
> http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/e510_nseries?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

thanks
a quick and dirty comparison:

Dimension n Series E520
(no OS)
Pentium® D Processor 915 with Dual Core Technology (2.8GHz, 800FSB)
FreeDOS™ included in the box, ready to install
1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz- 2DIMMs
160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
monitor
Starting at
$729 (not sure if includes tax and shipping?)


Dimension E520
(vista home)
Faster Processor, More Memory & Bigger Hard Drive for Better Productivity
Processor  Intel® CoreTM  2 Duo E4300 (1.80GHz, 800MHz, 2MB)
Memory 1024MB DDR2 RAM
Harddrive 160GB SATA Hard Drive (7,200rpm)
monitor
£469  Includes VAT & Shipping

I did not find the UK non OS units, but it will be interesting to 
compare more exactly
I will look again later.
-- 
alan cocks
Kubuntu user#10391