Thinkpad to the dark side

[David Bandel]

On 6/4/06, Chong Yu Meng <chongym at cymulacrum.net> wrote:
> On Sun, 2006-06-04 at 09:40 -0600, Collins Richey wrote:
> > http://villageidiotsavant.blogspot.com/
> >
> > Lenovo sucks.
> >
>
> I would say that Lenovo's announcement was a business decision. As to
> whether their hardware will or will not work with Linux, that is a
> separate issue altogether. This is one of the things that I think
> Westerners have a lot of difficulty getting their minds around
> (including my very Western-educated Chinese wife).

It means if Linux doesn't work with the hardware, too bad.

Yes, it was a business decision.  It got them a lower OEM price on
Windoze.  It also guaranteed a per-CPU pricing schedule to microsoft
(illegal, but done anyway) and ensures that those of us who will NEVER
boot Windoze pay Microsoft what amounts to a tax for the right to use
someone's hardware.

It's a principal issue.  I don't want M$ or drug dealers to have my
money.  But I have to pay a ransom to use hardware.  If tying software
to hardware makes you feel good, they why not just send me $100 every
time you buy a computer, or send me $1 every time you go to the
supermarket to buy something when you use a cart (a cart ransom or tax
if you will, just make the payment to David A. Bandel).

It is theft, plain and simple.  Microsoft are the worst kinds of
thieves.  They are stealing money from people because they use
computers, not because they use M$' OS.  I've paid for many copies of
M$ crap I've never used.  Just had to pay for three more copies two
months ago (I cannot find decent laptop hardware as parts I can
assemble even at a higher price, I have to buy an assembled computer
and send a ransom to M$ for the privilege of using the laptop with
Linux).

I should post the license numbers on my web site for any one to use.
As far as I'm concerned, I didn't accept the license agreement, M$
refuses to refund my money (they point to the hardware vendor and the
hardware vendor points to M$), so can do as I please with the software
and licenses.

Will try to post them if anyone wants to use them.

>
> Personally, I see nothing wrong (nor meaningful) in the announcement. If
> it calms certain nerves inside Microsoft, or gives better sleep to
> Microsoft resellers, or ensures promotion for some people inside
> Microsoft, why not? It's just an announcement ! The product may actually
> work very well with Linux -- and if it does, the Linux enthusiasts will
> quickly find out. If there are problems, someone in the community (note:
> China has a HUGE community of Linux users and hackers, just not in
> English) will find a way to make it work. Lenovo is only obliged to make
> appropriate noises, as it were.
>

Ciao,

David A. Bandel
-- 
Focus on the dream, not the competition.
            - Nemesis Air Racing Team motto