[TriLUG] "taxation without representation"

[Craig Duncan]

RE:  Laptop Hardware Question

Does anyone else see the mandatory Microsoft tax issue here? Ken is looking 
for a resonably priced laptop at CompUSA to run Linux on, but he will be 
paying microsoft for the privilage as the laptop will, most assuredly, come 
pre-installed with MS ME/98.
I am sure that the laptop will make a great Linux 'top, but why does Ken have 
to pay the micro$oft for the privilage. Yes it seems like a good idea to buy 
a computer appliance, but  if you choose to run your appliance on an 
alternate OS, you should not be forced to pay for the OS that comes 
pre-installed.
As extreme as this may sound, can you not imagine an OS refund of $xx from 
micro$uck if you choose an alternate another OS. 
"I hereby declare that I will not run Microsoft software of any kind,... blah 
blah" give me my money back!
This only seems reasonable, and not unusual from the usual mail-in rebates 
offered. 
Preferably, you would have your choice of OS, but facing reality, that is not 
going to happen anytime soon - 10-20 yrs perhaps.

Thoughts?