On Wed, 04 Apr 2007 05:55:37 -0500, Jack Erbes
wrote:

What the Hell! *is* it with people? Just because it is new they jump on
it? Oh look! Where are all those lemmings going? Let's go with them!

The problem is with the computer vendors and Microsoft. Microsoft's
lock-in contracts with PC manufaturers have made it practically
impossible for them to sell a computer without an operating system, a
Microsoft operating system in most cases. So if you buy a new PC, you
are going to get the latest and greatest whether you want it or not.
If you strip Vista off and install Win2K or XP, you are putting the
warranty at risk, and you have wasted money since the cost of Vista is
built in and you don't have the ability to resell the operating
system.

I avoid this issue by buying off-lease/reconditioned laptops, usually
with no operating system but sometimes with Win2K or XP. Typical cost
is in the $300 to $400 range and I get years of boat service out of
them.