From: "Rich Gauszka" 

Also wouldn't it be better to order the computer with  Windows and then ask
Dell for the OS refund ( $10 vs $105 )
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2006/110706-dell-windows.html

Dell today gave freelance programmer and sysadmin Dave Mitchell, of
Sheffield, UK, a refund of 47 pounds ($89) for the unused copy of Microsoft
Windows XP Home SP2 bundled with his new Dell Inspiron 640m laptop,
Mitchell says. Dell also refunded the tax, for a total of œ55.23 ($105).

The online version of the Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition EULA states,
"You agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA by installing,
copying, or otherwise using the software. If you do not agree, do not
install, copy, or use the software; you may return it to your place of
purchase for a full refund, if applicable."
The language in the version that Mitchell received was slightly different.
It read, "If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, you may not
use or copy the software, and should promptly contact manufacturer for
instructions on return of the unused product(s) for a refund in accordance
with manufacturer's return policies."


"Gary Britt"  wrote in
message news:45b7ab72$1{at}w3.nls.net...
Does Dell pay a licensing or other fee to Microsoft on machines they ship
without Windows?  Does Dell's contracts with Microsoft require a fee for
every computer sold irrespective of whether Windows is sold with the
machine?

Gary

Rich wrote:
>    These aren't new.  Dell has been offering these for a while.
>  As for a supposed savings, I priced an E520 from there and an otherwise
> identical one with Windows XP Media Center and a free upgrade to Windows
> Vista.  The system with freedos was $10 cheaper.  Dell supports the system
> with Windows and it will support it with freedos.  It doesn't support it
> with linux or other non-dell installed OS.
>  Rich
>
>     "Ad"      > wrote in message
>     news:45b733b4$1{at}w3.nls.net...
>     Blimey are Dell turning into knowing accomplices of pirates?
>
>
>
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/e510_nseries?c=us&cs=19&l=en
&s=dhs
>
>
http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/e510_nseries?c=us&cs=19&l=e
n&s=dhs>
>
>     "Are you looking for a desktop on which you can run LinuxR  or other
>     open-source operating systems? Look no further!
>
>     Dell's new open-source n Series desktop solution provides customers
>     with
>     a DimensionTM  E520, E521 or C521 desktop without an installed or
>     included MicrosoftR  operating system. With the n Series desktop,
>     customers have the flexibility to install an alternative operating
>     system (such as a version of LinuxR ), and help reduce the price of
>     this
>     system. In addition, the n Series desktop comes with a non-formatted
>     hard drive ready for your custom installation. Dell's n Series desktop
>     ships with a copy of FreeDosTM , an open-source operating system
>     that is
>     ready to install. "
>
>
>
>     Adam

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