I bought a new low-end laptop today(brand new) for a client, who already uses Linux Mint on their main machine.

LINK...

This machine is a lower-end notebook, with an Intel N-series quad-core CPU at up to 3.4GHz and 6MB cache, 8GB of LPDDR5 embedded RAM(soldered to MB), 128GB NVMe SSD, WiFi etc, Intel UHD graphics........and Windoze 11 Pro Education version.

As soon as I unpack it, the very first thing I will be doing, is TOTALLY WIPING the factory W11 install, and putting LMDE7 on it at the client's request.

They already have a desktop Linux Mint machine that I setup for them, and they like it so much, they now want a portable laptop with Linux Mint on it.

You gotta love this - if even just a little bit.  

So many of us now HATE what Windoze 11 has become and what it represents, I have to admit to perhaps having a bit of schadenfreude about buying a brand-new notebook computer with W11 preinstalled.......that will get WIPED as the very first step after unpacking it.      

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Smoke makes things work. When the smoke gets out, it stops!

The problem is that you end up paying for Windows even if you don't need it.

Before the semiconductor shortage, I bought an N100 mini PC with a 512 GB SSD and 16 GB of RAM for about 170€ (339,27 NZ$)to use as a media computer. I replaced the preinstalled Windows 11 right away; now it runs KOdi and Batocera.

I don't object to that too much. At least it's a "get you going" OS to let you test the hardware with. The alternative would probably be no OS as not everyone can agree on the same Linux either. :) At least you aren't paying the retail price for that copy of Windows.

  Martin H. said  

The problem is that you end up paying for Windows even if you don't need it.

Before the semiconductor shortage, I bought an N100 mini PC with a 512 GB SSD and 16 GB of RAM for about 170€ (339,27 NZ$)to use as a media computer. I replaced the preinstalled Windows 11 right away; now it runs KOdi and Batocera.

Yes, I could see that we had a "bargain window" in early 2025 and I bought three minicomputers, each with N97 processor, 16GB DDR5 and 512GB drives; at £159 each!  They each have three HDMI ports, driving 4K monitors on each port.  I also bought several WD Blue   1TB NVME drives - PCIE Gen 4.0 - at £51 each; now listed at £153.99!  All items were from Amazon UK.  I expected prices to rise, but the rises are quite shocking.  I am quite taken aback at the performance of the N97 processor and its capabilities.  Not exactly for AI or gaming, but for routine stuff, quite amazing. I am writing this on an  Asus Zenbook with an I7 processor, some generations old. but still very functional.  The N97 benchmarks way higher, to my complete surprise.  I never anticipated having a £159 computer running three 4K screens on my desk - which is what I now have.  Sadly, the days of such bargains are way behind us now.
Edited 2026-09-14 20:02 by circuit

I hear what you are saying about W11 being there so that there is SOMETHING in terms of OS on the machine to get you up and running - I agree with that comment and I know what you mean.

I just mean I will be taking personal satisfaction in wiping it for Linux!          
....as the first step on a brand new computer.  
Edited 2026-09-15 10:06 by Grogster