Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 02/09/2010 - 16:12.
This has been an issue with Dell for years. I've ordered systems from them only to find the exact same problem: configuring a system with identical specs, and the Windows system is cheaper. Why? The price of the system with Ubuntu should be about $60-70 cheaper, but it's the other way around. Somebody is paying for the copy of Windows that is supposedly bundled with the system, but who?
Anyway, the only way around this (and your mileage may vary), is to purchase the cheaper of the two systems that has Windoze. Then, when you receive the new PC, power it on, and do NOT accept the Windows license agreement. Follow the instructions on the screen, which says to contact the vendor for a Windows refund. I've done this a few times with Dell on NEW systems and they have honored the refund. It seems to average around $60. One time they actually sent me a return label, and asked me to return the CDs which I was more than happy to do. I have not had any luck doing this on any refurbished system. Each attempt was denied. I was told by Dell that this was because the original system was bundled with a Windows license, which is forever tied to that PC. I still do this day don't understand how this differs from buying a new PC.
Unfortunately, this is a problem at all PC vendors. When will the first one step up , and offer IDENTICAL systems with Windows and Linux, with the Linux system being $60-70 cheaper? You would think it would benefit Dell and other vendors to do this. It's too bad they are following the market, rather than being a little more innovative with marketing their systems.
In the meantime, demand a Windows refund from the vendors, maybe they will get the point. It says it clearly that you are entitled to pursue a refund when you first power up a new Windows based PC. Do as the instructions say, and hopefully you will be granted the refund.
Dell has serious problems
This has been an issue with Dell for years. I've ordered systems from them only to find the exact same problem: configuring a system with identical specs, and the Windows system is cheaper. Why? The price of the system with Ubuntu should be about $60-70 cheaper, but it's the other way around. Somebody is paying for the copy of Windows that is supposedly bundled with the system, but who?
Anyway, the only way around this (and your mileage may vary), is to purchase the cheaper of the two systems that has Windoze. Then, when you receive the new PC, power it on, and do NOT accept the Windows license agreement. Follow the instructions on the screen, which says to contact the vendor for a Windows refund. I've done this a few times with Dell on NEW systems and they have honored the refund. It seems to average around $60. One time they actually sent me a return label, and asked me to return the CDs which I was more than happy to do. I have not had any luck doing this on any refurbished system. Each attempt was denied. I was told by Dell that this was because the original system was bundled with a Windows license, which is forever tied to that PC. I still do this day don't understand how this differs from buying a new PC.
Unfortunately, this is a problem at all PC vendors. When will the first one step up , and offer IDENTICAL systems with Windows and Linux, with the Linux system being $60-70 cheaper? You would think it would benefit Dell and other vendors to do this. It's too bad they are following the market, rather than being a little more innovative with marketing their systems.
In the meantime, demand a Windows refund from the vendors, maybe they will get the point. It says it clearly that you are entitled to pursue a refund when you first power up a new Windows based PC. Do as the instructions say, and hopefully you will be granted the refund.
http://members.apex-internet.com/sa/windowslinux