Only when you buy a windows laptop. You can buy MacOS, Android, chromeOS, linux laptops.
Comment on Microsoft is making every Windows 11 PC an AI PC
barnaclebutt@lemmy.world 1 day ago
And for some reason when I buy a laptop I need to also pay for that disgusting spyware. How is the scam still going on?
Auth@lemmy.world 1 day ago
detren@sh.itjust.works 1 day ago
You can also buy a framework which doesn’t come with anything
barnaclebutt@lemmy.world 1 day ago
ChromeOS and android are about to be the same thing. I know you can buy laptops with Linux for a while (e.g., RHEL on IBM/Lenovo machine); however, it is definitely not the norm. It’s getting much better now, but if you want your choice of hardware it’s probably going to ship with windows. MacOS is quickly becoming a walled Garden too. I just want to be refunded for an operating system that I immediately wipe, and everyone else should too.
DFX4509B_2@lemmy.org 1 day ago
Yeah, the OEM deals in themselves are shady as fuck once you think about it for a couple seconds.
melfie@lemy.lol 1 day ago
MafiaSoft is definitely taking their piece of the action, but laptops from smaller companies like System76 end up costing a fair amount more extra for equivalent hardware than the $50-$100 tax you’re otherwise paying for an OS you’re going to promptly replace. I’d say vote with your wallet, but I realize not everyone can afford to do so.
Quazatron@lemmy.world 17 hours ago
There are alternatives. I bought a Lenovo direct from their site with no OS installed. The saving from not having Windows was enough to afford double the RAM.
barnaclebutt@lemmy.world 1 day ago
Yeah, the lack of mass production causes higher prices. Framework and system76 are doing good things and deserve support. However, the issue imo is a legislative one. You should be forced to purchase an operating system with your hardware.
melfie@lemy.lol 1 day ago
Couldn’t agree more. Feels quite monopolistic that everyone buying mass-produced, commodity hardware is also forced to buy a Windows license.