Vostro 1400 with Linux / no operating system.

Question

I'm looking to buy a Dell Vostro 1400 (C2D T7250, 2GB RAM, WXGA+ screen, integrated camera, 120GB hard disk and 9-cell battery) which comes to £439 ex. VAT The problem I am having is that I cannot seem to select to receive my laptop with no software pre-installed. It is automatically selecting Windows Vista and Microsoft Works, which I do not want and will never use. I refuse to pay for software that I don't want and will never use. I realize I can get a refund for the software afterwards simply by not using it and then sending it back, however this is bound to be extra hassle. Is there any way for me to specify that I do not want these products when I order online? Cheers.

arthr · Answer

The last I knew no tier 3 manufacturer will ship a computer without an OS. They clame they can't test the computer without an OS. I got one at the local computer store.

hcobb · Answer

I bought the Vostro 1500 on sale with the minimal Vista option because the sale price was less than the Linux equivalent laptop from Dell.

Mandriva 2007 supports most of the features (haven't tried ExpressCard yet), with the exception of the soundcard which is just barely supported for output and the sound inputs are a bit lacking. (Builtin Mic is lousy and no support for addon mic port yet.)

I haven't found anyway to use the SVHS output (SVGA is fine) or IR input under Linux.

I also settled for the chipset graphics instead of the graphics adaptor because I knew I wasn't likely to get much support either way but it seems fast enough for office apps and browsing at 1280x800

I went down to Fry's and bought USB cables for PS/2, Serial port and floppy drive support as these are not included in the unit.

While 5-6 hours of battery life is nice, I think I may buy a smaller battery from Dell so that it's flush in the back and easier to pack.

Since it was on sale for $750 I've got no real complaints about price/performance.

Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T5470 @ 1.60GHz
MemTotal: 905644 kB
156290904 sda
DVD R/W
Ethernet plus WiFi (Better than average WiFi range)

All I lack is Bluetooth (got USB dongle) and GPRS, though I suppose I wouldn't turn down an external SATA or SCSI port. (Full USB2 speed on four built in ports.)

Message Edited by hcobb on 10-23-2007 01:56 AM

craigjohnstone · Answer

Hey folks, thanks for the replies so far. From what I've read, a retailer is required to give you a refund for OEM Microsoft products if you decide that you do not use them / do not accept the EULA. I'm trying to establish how to remove the Windows Vista option from my order before actually paying for it, rather than requesting a refund at a later date. Perhaps I need to place my order over the phone as there does not seem to be any option online to do that. I'd be grateful if a Dell representative could clear this up for me.

dfrandin · Answer

The best place to get a Vostro 1400/1500/1700 in my opinion is the Dell Outlet. I just bought a Vostro 1400

(C2D-1.4/2GB/160GB w/ 802.11bg, Nvidia 128mb video, webcam) for $549. It came with Vista Home Basic, which got fired up *once* to be sure everything worked on the system, then the drive was wiped, and Ubuntu 7.10 was installed, with all the usual stumbling blocks (wifi, restricted nvidia video drivers) working

just fine out of the box, including the Compiz eyecandy.. Have not bothered with the modem as I don't expect to be needing it with wifi installed on the system. At the pricepoint I got this machine for, I could care less if Dell/Microsoft insists on shipping a Windblows OS with the machine... I have two co-workers who I'm watching the Outlet for like deals for them..

Dave

Linux General

Vostro 1400 with Linux / no operating system.

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