thelinuxlink.net

Recently, PC World in the UK has been advertising a PC with 19" TFT, DVD Recorder, some super-fast processor, loads of RAM and a nice big hard drive. This comes with Windows Vista Home and M$ Office in with the cost. With £200 off it comes in at "only" £599 (about $300 or so)

They say (in the advert on TV) that the 19" monitor is "great for DVDs" I assume this is AFTER you purchase a set of speakers for £40/$20!

Anyway, I was a little border and decided to send them an email.....

Regarding : PACKARD BELL IMED2410 DESKTOP PC - IMEDIA 2410 DESKTOP PC
+ 19" MONITOR STUDENT PACK (376561)

I was wondering how much this PC would be without Windows Vista and
Microsoft Office as I already have an Operating System and Office
program I wish to install myself.

Thanks

Chris

A few days later, I got a reply!

Dear Chris,

Thank you for your email of 24 September 2007.

Unfortunately you cannot purchase the Packard Bell 2410 without Microsoft Office and in regards to the Windows Vista it is already pre-loaded onto the machine.

Please accept my apologies for any difficulties you have experienced in this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Khadija Brookes
PC World Customer Services

I'm planning on replying, quoting Microsoft's EULA. Can anyone else think of something I can add? I was having second thoughts about replying, but it worked with Dell so who knows, if we all try this maybe PC World will start putting Linux on their machines!

Stand strong brothers!

Chris

I would just bring up the relevant EULA paragraphs.
Good luck

allix wrote:I would just bring up the relevant EULA paragraphs.
Good luck

Just remember, that those paragraphs serve as a promise that you can return an unused Windows license for a refund, they don't make it possible for you to actually buy a machine WITHOUT Windows, you have to buy it first and then send it back. You may have to call Packard Bell on this one, if they don't do it, it's essentially a breach of contract which Microsoft will not go after them for, since they love cramming Windows down your throat.

If you're buying a new PC; just build it yourself, don't pay the stupid Microsoft tax!