How to get a discount for an Acer notebook

Darius Chang | Aug 01, 2007

Editors' note :

According to Acer Singapore, it does not provide support for Ubuntu Linux in its notebooks and the bundle by the retailer is not an authorized configuration. When contacted, Memory World said that it will provide troubleshooting for Ubuntu Linux Acer laptops sold by the retailer.

Fancy getting a brand-new Acer laptop for a couple of hundreds off its list price? Memory World at Singapore's Sim Lim Square offering just that, but you have to make a compromise.

The retail store has put up a special promotion on the Acer Aspire 5710Z at S$999 (US$709.72). This is almost S$200 (US$142.09) off the price listed at Acer's Web site. The catch: It is running on the Ubuntu Linux OS instead of the ubiquitous Windows operating system. A quick call to Memory World revealed that it can do the same for any other Acer model, but it has to be booked in advance so the company can get a unit from the manufacturer without Windows pre-installed.

Is this legal? Don't you have to pay for the Linux license, you ask? Well, Ubuntu is a community-developed, Linux-based operating system that is free and can easily be ordered or downloaded from its Web site. It comes equipped with drivers for most hardware commonly used in notebooks and desktops. Hence, if you so desire, you can actually convert almost any existing laptop to this operating system. Getting a notebook with Ubuntu pre-installed means you do not have to foot out the extra dollars for a Windows Vista license.

In the event that you decide Ubuntu is not for you, you can still replace the Linux-based system with a Windows OS of your choice. However, note that the full retail version of Windows Vista starts at S$340.99 (US$242.25) for the Basic Edition. So unless you have tried Ubuntu Linux, it will make more economic sense to purchase the Acer Aspire 5710Z with Windows Home Premium Edition at S$1,198 (US$851.09) and install Ubuntu later.