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Can you buy a laptop and pay less if it doesn't have Windows?
David Lees
Dell has sold Linux laptops for a long time. For example they offer Ubuntu distribution on many of their machines as an explicitly Windows alternative. For example: https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/dell-laptops-and-notebooks/new-xps-13-developer-edition/spd/xps-13-9310-laptop/ctox139w10p2c3000u
- RESEARCH: Unfortunately the Dell machine costs $60 to $240 cheaper if it comes with Windows instead of Linux!
Then there is the Chromebook world where all the machines are Linux to start. See: https://www.zdnet.com/article/all-chromebooks-will-also-be-linux-laptops-going-forward/
Frank Gens
Sounds like you might be a good candidate for a custom-built machine. They do that at Micro Center: https://www.microcenter.com/site/service/instore-service-complete-build.aspx
They claim their custom built machines start at $150 (for pretty stripped down, I’m sure), so what you’re looking for (moderately high-end HW, no OS) may be competitively priced there.
- RESULTS OF RESEARCH: pending
Larry Wittig
You could consider an Intel NUC kit. You can buy it as a kit (no memory, no storage) or as a complete PC. It comes w/o an operating system. You can pick a range of CPU's, and the graphics are generally integrated unless you buy the top of the range. I'm running Linux Mint 20.2. Bob Primak also has one. https://www.bostonherald.com/2021/12/03/home-showcase-lexingtons-meriam-hill-beauty/#:~:text=Address%3A-,6%20Hayes%20Ave.,-%2C%20Lexington
- RESULTS OF RESEARCH: pending
Smita Desai
You can try Alienware from Dell. These are gaming machines. Not sure though if they come without Windows.
- RESULTS OF RESEARCH: pending