Dell is in bed with Microsoft and needs to do everything they can to make you think twice about your OS
Ask HN: Why the $200 Overhead on Dell XPS Laptops with Linux?
71–80 of 108 posts
Re: Ask HN: Why the $200 Overhead on Dell XPS Laptops with Linux?
#72One thing to note is that using Arch I haven't had any issues with hardware on any computer I've tried, and usually you can find a comparable Acer or MSI with much better specs for significantly less. I usually don't see much benefit with purchasing overpriced hardware.
The advantage with XPS is not the price, but the premium quality.
Re: Ask HN: Why the $200 Overhead on Dell XPS Laptops with Linux?
#73Just ran into this buying a laptop! I bought the Windows one, nuked it, and had Ubuntu installed in like 15 minutes :D
I did this with a "Fujitsu-Siemens Scaleo Windows Home Server" some 14 years ago and managed to get the licence fee ($60) back from Microsoft after sending them a bunch of stickers, manuals and assorted included Windows-related guff. I had to hammer them a bit but after a letter or three they gave in. I don't know where you live but if it is somewhere within the EU it could be worth trying this. I have no idea whethe…
It can be hard. Related story: https://fsfe.org/news/2021/news-20210302-01.html
Re: Ask HN: Why the $200 Overhead on Dell XPS Laptops with Linux?
#74Earlier quoted context omitted.
Further evidence that crypto is truly a cancer on software.
If Norton 360 installed Folding@home, would you call F@H a "cancer"? No, you wouldn't. The true cancer here is pre-installed antivirus software such as Norton.
In this scenario, would Norton be taking a 15% cut?
Re: Ask HN: Why the $200 Overhead on Dell XPS Laptops with Linux?
#75Earlier quoted context omitted.
What is the software that gets installed and what does it do? Do they actually show ads ?
Not generally, no. Most of the time, it's software that goads you into a subscription after your 30-day trial, like anti-virus packages or HP's ink subscription.
Or, for that matter, Microsoft Office.
Re: Ask HN: Why the $200 Overhead on Dell XPS Laptops with Linux?
#76Linux might be rare enough that they only make Windows machines and then have someone pull one out of the box put Linux on it if requested.
It’s like why alcohol free beer costs almost same in NZ - because they have to take out alcohol!
That's why I find the power of ads and marketing truly fearsome. Why buy alcohol free alcoholic beverages?
Re: Ask HN: Why the $200 Overhead on Dell XPS Laptops with Linux?
#77One thing to note is that using Arch I haven't had any issues with hardware on any computer I've tried, and usually you can find a comparable Acer or MSI with much better specs for significantly less. I usually don't see much benefit with purchasing overpriced hardware.
The advantage with XPS is not the price, but the premium quality.
In my opinion XPS is about size and to an extent performance, but not better (build) quality.
In my experience both the Latitude and Precision series have had fewer hardware issues despite being more prevalent, where only part of the explanation is that XPS-es are used more often by people who also travel more.
Re: Ask HN: Why the $200 Overhead on Dell XPS Laptops with Linux?
#78And also, why not change the Windows button symbol?
Re: Ask HN: Why the $200 Overhead on Dell XPS Laptops with Linux?
#79[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: Why the $200 Overhead on Dell XPS Laptops with Linux?
#80It is because linux is superior!