“Just install Linux on it” is the “just change the engine of your car” of tech.
Not everyone is a mechanic, not everyone wants to be a mechanic, and, if we want a world where freedom is the norm, we must stop expecting everyone to become a mechanic.
Note: this is not because these people are too dumb to be mechanics. It’s because they’re brain surgeons and space-shuttle pilots and they have three kids and they care for a loved one and they don’t have time to also be a mechanic.
We are not going to compete with the mainstream car industry by promoting engine replacements. We are going to compete with the mainstream car industry by building better cars that are safer and more sustainable. But those cars aren’t going to grow on trees. We must fund the organisations that will create them from the commons for the common good.
@aral Unfortunately, in order to compete with the status quo, you'll first need to create some awareness and demand. Right now, PCs with preinstalled Linux are either Chromebooks (pretty infested) or cost significantly more than regular old laptops. They need to move from the "artisanal organic" price category to a point where you don't pay extra and "I heard somewhere these are good" is enough to get someone over the threshold.
@hansup @aral I don't think a Macbook is what I'd compare it to, though ... just compared to "regular" notebooks: Tuxedo actually looks really good at the higher end (15.6", i7, 16+GiB RAM, 500GiB SSD+2TiB HDD: 1400€), better than most Windows machines. But at lower specs (i5, 8GiB, 250GiB SSD), it's not quite competitive on price/performance terms, though closer than I'd expected (plus they're configurable). ==> I'll keep an eye on them! www.tuxedocomputers.com
@Mr_Teatime @aral Do not agree about Linux choice is limited or more expensive. There's plenty of choice. My recent preinstalled Tuxedo laptop was only half of the price of a decent MacBook pro. I am switching slowly and so far I have been enjoying it.