linuxmemes

I hate that nowadays everything comes with pre-installed spyware and that they charge you for it makes it even worse..

• Want a TV? Suck on our Android TV with Google spyware embedded
• Want a phone? Get our Android with Google spyware, or go for an Apple with Apple spyware
• Want a computer? We'll shove Windows spyware down your throat

Ffs I just want devices that I own to not spy on me, and I can't even buy them anymore..

Each of them require flashing a custom privacy respecting OS onto it,
and that's a real problem..

Buy a Framework, System76 or something else with first class Linux support.

Not to be that "aktchually" guy, but Microsoft actually ends up paying OEM's to ship with Windows, in order to drive costs down to be more affordable than competitors. You can still reimage with Linux, which I know, is an extra step from it shipping with Linux, but in a wild turn of events, we can thank Microsoft for driving down the prices of our to-be-Linux machines ;)

Friend: "What's your system specs?"

Me: "12-core Ryzen CPU, 64GB RAM, 3080ti GPU"

F: "Nice. What games do you play?"

M: "Games...? Is that what else people do with these things?"

"Your laptop's sticker price already includes windows license fee. You're welcome!"

-- Microsoft

In Europe, laptops without an operating system (often referred to as DOS installed) are available. Prices start from 300 EUR.

The bigger issue for me is every device advertised to be linux based and privacy oriented is >400$ usually around 700-800$

I understand that tech savy IT people are usually financially cushy enough that they can eat a almost thousand dollar bill on their laptop and not think twice about it but man I just can't ever see myself willing to shell out that much cash for a fancy laptop with physical kill switches or modularbility. Bring that price tag down a couple hundred dollars system 76 and Purism, then well talk. Until then the dude on ebay selling librebooted ghostpads are more likely to get my money.

A lot of the time you aren't actually paying for the license afaik. If you look at a pre built and spec it out on PC part picker, the pre built can often come at a lower price bc the PC is subsidized with payment from the bloatware that is pre installed (think McAfee). Microsoft also sells the licenses in bulk to the store for huge discounts. Windows business model is a lot more about selling you 365 and your data than the operating system.

There are new laptops without os preinstalled (freedos actually installed) i bought my hp255g8 Ryzen 5700u laptop few years ago that way

buy from the official website, you can select "no operating system" there. (did that last time from Lenovo's site)

My laptop came preinstalled with Linux :)

Get a used ThinkPad, OP

Here in the EU there are a few companies selling rebranded Tongfang or Clevo barebones without an OS. Some are Linux-oriented like Tuxedo, Slimbook or LaptopmetLinux, some are general-purpose or gaming oriented like Schenker/XMG.

Slimbook Elemental 14 start at around 600€, Tuxedo Aura 14 starts at around 840€ for what looks to be the same SKU but a bit more storage.

Where are you located and what's your budget ? It might help point you in the right direction.

It would be cheaper also