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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/
- RESULTS OF RESEARCH: pending
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
Will Roberts
This site may be of help:
https://www.cyberciti.biz/hardware/laptop-computers-with-linux-installed-or-preloaded/
Or maybe not.
- RESULTS OF RESEARCH: pending
Marvin Menzin
my wife gets custom laptops from this firm.. no idea whether they do ones without windows but they are an ofher source besides microcenter .. but on line only
Eluktronics
- RESULTS OF RESEARCH: pending
Jon Dreyer
A few folks recommended that I try a frame.work (Framework) laptop. I'll write more about it soon but I put the “kit” together in about a half hour (most of the time struggling with the tiny wifi antenna wires). Easily installed Ubuntu Linux. Now I'm in the process of moving my stuff over from my mac. First impressions are that it's a great little machine with replaceable parts from reputable manufacturers. Fits together nicely.
Mine's kind of insanely tricked out: 64G RAM, 4T SSD. $2636.