Linux Preload

[djdaley]

Does Lenovo have a Linux preload option on the T410s, T410, or L412 thinkpads?

Thank you in advance!

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

Don't think so. 

[Volker1]

If you buy enough thinkpads in one go then you can get them preloaded with anything you want. 

If you are buying a single one then it is not possible to avoid the Microsoft tax.

[djdaley]

I get the point! T_T I had just heard Lenovo, Dell, and a couple other companies out there began offering linux preload on certain machines. It seems I heard wrong. . . at least in regards to Lenovo. . .

[maxmin]

I remember a few years back, the ThinlPad had option for other OS(Linux) pre-loaded.

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

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maxmin wrote:

I remember a few years back, the ThinlPad had option for other OS(Linux) pre-loaded.

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that is correct, but i think Lenovo have stopped offering this. 

[danielpf]

More correctly Microsoft puts all its weight on Lenovo and other laptop sellers to stop this. 

This is probably achieved by granting price reduction on preinstalled Windows licenses only

at the condition Lenovo doesn't sell the same computer without OS, with the argument of

reducing piracy.

Now institutional customers and companies do need to install other OS's like Linux,

or they already paid a global license to Microsoft, so do not want to pay twice.

So for these Lenovo is allowed to sell laptops without OS, which shows it is possible.

I just bought one W510 laptop without OS through my university channel at a

seriously reduced price,  and installed easily Mandriva 2010 Spring.

[hedgeborn]

It's unfortunate Lenovo does not offer a Linux pre-load option.

I did find one company that does sell brand new Thinkpads with the Linux distro of your choice installed and supported though and I will most likely be picking up a new TP from them soon.

http://www.laclinux.com/