Possible to Order Laptop without pre-installed OS?

Hello;

This is not exaclty the answer for your question, but If you plan to use linux, don't order an inspiron 500m !!!!

Xfree86 is not currently supported on this laptop (there is a bug in the BIOS from Dell concerning the graphic card (intel extreme graphic) ...

regards;

i too would like to order a dell without an operating system or any of the software bundles.  its pointless to spend the money on the software and then just have to format your hdd anyway and let the software go to waste.  does anyone know if dell allows this?

Dell 500m Fix:
http://www.mail-archive.com/devel%40xfree86.org/msg02247.html

Check out the mandrake on 500m thread

you can always send the windows cdrom back to MS with a note sayign that you dont aggree to the terms of the liscense and request a refund

this cluase was actualy in the 98 ME and 2k licenses not sure about the xp ones tho never read them all the way to the end....

Unfortunately I dont have the link so you'll have to do some googling but there is a guy in america (california I think ) that got a refund and tells you all about the way to get it not only from microsoft but also from the manufacturer i.e dell. 

Dear friends,

  Pardon if this is off topic, but would there be a warranty issue were the original OS no longer in place on hte dard drive?

 

Best,

Martin

at least when I got my Dell laptop (1 1/2 years back), as I turned it on it first displayed a disclaimer that I should call Dell if I don't like the Windows License. Well, I read the license and didn't like it (e.g. they don't even provide any source and you can't change the code :-( ). So I called Dell. They told me to send the CD back to them for my $ 0.01 refund.

I sent the CD back and am still waiting for the refund :-(. Scamsters. My laptop works great ever since. Dual monitor support, DVD viewing, temperature control, firewire... better than any of my friends Windows XP laptops.

Important thing: Do not press any key as you see the license message. Whatever key you press will be interpreted as you agreeing to the license. Just turn the laptop off and call Dell support if you don't like the license.

you are not allowed to sell the version of Windows that came with your Dell. It probably has some prominent sticker telling you that it is only for sale with a new PC.

In either case: As you didn't 'ok' the shrinkwrap agreement, call Dell and ask to return the license.

Remember: All you bought is a license. You do not 'own' the OS, you are just allowed to use it in the manner prescribed by MSFT and Dell as part of the sales contract.

I asked to have *no* software installed (ie: formatted drive).  One person told me "it's part of the deal" and there was no getting around the "Microsoft tax".  Another person told me they required the OS to be installed in order to test before the unit ships.  Apparently, they can't format them before they're out the door?  Who knows...point is, unless you're willing to scream REALLY loud and eventually take them to court, you won't get anywhere.  I just opted to pay for the minimum software install, immediatly booted off cd and installed Linux.  Still have my shrink wrapped Windows XP Home in my closet.  I'm not even sure if Dell's licensing agreement allows me to sell the useless software they required me to purchase.  I'm pretty sure it's labeled something to the effect of "only sellable with purchase of new home computer system."  Anybody know?

I tried ordering my Inspiron 5100 with an Internal True Mobile, MiniPCI 1150 card and go nowhere...I explained why I wanted it (orinoco chipset supported in Linux as opposed to the broadcom chipset not *natively* supported in Linux).  They were less than accommodating.  I ended up having to tell the people (I called a total of maybe 6 times) that I ALSO owned a Latitude (which I don't) in order to get the 1150 card sent to me seperately.  It was easy to install and works like a charm, but how hard would it have been for them to help?  On top of this, you MUST agree to the license terms of all the software installed on your brand new system which you'll be formatting.  The agreement appears before the computer boots (BIOS screen) so there's no (practical) way of getting around it.  If you'd like to call and ask for the licenses to the different software titles, you can call them and be avoided/handed off like everyone else.  The trick to their strategy: make the consumer sign a contract (click through license), THEN give them the contract.  Good call Dell, I like it!  If you'd like more info about the "click through license" issue Dell is forcing on it's unknowing customers, visit here:  http://www.cypherpunks.ca/dell.html.  I'm not completely closed minded here.  Any Dell moderators care to shed some light on the moral justification.