New low for Microsoft

[Mike McMullen]

> Mike McMullen said:
> 
> > Not completely true. I go to the local Fry's and buy an 800MHZ Celeron,
> > 40GB HD with CD-R, 128MB, 100Mb NI for $199. No MS but something
> > called ThinLinux or something like that on it. I add more memory for
> > about  $20 and install RH or FC1 on it. Works likes a champ as a cheap
> > server  or workstation for our office.
> 
> ok, so i did a google search for "fry's electronics", you should too...
> there's a disclaimer for lynx users in their frames, which google picks up
> on =]
> 
> http://www.frys.com/localframe.html
> 
> fry's is very regional.  sure, you can get cheap pcs from wal-mart with
> basically the same specs.  but they don't sell the $199 anymore, it's $299
> and up.
> 
> it's hard to find any computers in normal stores without ms on it, or mail
> ordering from dell/gateway/whatever is impossible.  this is what typical
> people see, they don't go to fry's... they hit compusa, circuit city and
> best buy.
> 
> ebay can get you great deals too on offices changing out their systems.
> 
> > The keyboard actually isn't that bad but the speakers are tinny. In an
> > office audio isn't so important. The price doesn't include a monitor.
> 
> you can get a 15" monitor for like 75 bucks now.  insane.
> 
> -d
The most important point I was trying to make was that you can if you
don't want MS find systems that you don't pay the MS premium for.
Your statement made it sound like there wasn't a choice.

It just requires that you be cognizant of the fact you can get buy systems
without MS. 

Mike