Laptop without OS/with linux in Singapore

P-Meister SG

Hi, newly registered here, but not a new visitor.

I've been scouring the forums since I returned to SG from the UK about a year ago, and I am appalled at the difficulty in getting a laptop without an OS here. Tried sourcing them myself but it appears most retail stores do not offer them. Feels kind of monopolised by Microsoft and Mac here. What makes Linux unpopular here?

I understand that the userbase is small but it feels as though linux is almost non-existent here, at least not in the laptop field.

I have a software company called XELLINK Solutions and have been writing free lance software as a hobby. I am wondering, if there is any interest in Linux in Singapore, I might consolidate the numbers and consider offering an option to obtain laptops with linux or without OS to enthusiasts, at a discount to what the market is offering. If there are more than a few individuals, i can source a few laptops at a discount (due to the microsoft refund). In addition, I will find out which software works in advance and apply the bug fixes before hand.

rony400x SG

Really appreciate your entu. but sadly that is the fact, even though I do like UNIX i too didnot find any where we can buy such laptops, so in the end take it as if you are going to need windows too and prep your laptop for dual boot. :)

Jhonstaphen SG

how do you market your brand ?

i mean how do you market your computer related business ?

P-Meister SG

It is mainly software based company. I am not intending to market my brand yet because I already have too much work to do.

I presume if linux users were to google, they would be able to access my website. There are videos there about the OS if you want to have a look.

There is no need for windows. One can refund the windows license but it takes effort. The other option is to buy from companies like PC specialist etc.

I have not used dual boot since 2010. Wine has had a lot of advancement and a lot of software are already ported to Linux.

Traveller_Foodie SG

I'm also looking for a laptop without any OS reason being that the price of the OS is bundled with the hardware. I'm a linux user also.

One alternative that I'm looking at is ChromeBook or ChromeBox (depends on what you want) - You can easily reload Linux there and I've seen quite a few reviews that they work pretty well. I plan to get a Samsung ChromeBook soon.

If you really can't find the kind of laptop you're looking for - I guess this is an alternative to look at.