[CivBase]

A 25% markup on component cost is shockingly low to me considering the work that must have gone into developing and assembling this. Not to mention the development that goes into the OS. If I had a good use case for this product, I don't think I'd be unhappy with the sticker price.

[999900000999]

It's kinda silly though.

Linux is not a good OS if you aren't into tinkering. Installing your own OS shouldn't be hard for any Linux user.

Now I guess if your expenses it anyway it doesn't matter.

[bluGill]

I can write drivers, but it would take me a long time (I've never written driver so factor in a learning curve). Or I can select parts that linux has drivers for - but again it would take me time. I can assemble a computer, but it will take me time. My time is not free.

[999900000999]

It takes at most 4 hours to put a computer together even if you're new.

If your time is worth more than 500$ an hour congrats. Then you can have a shop put it together for 150$ to 200$.

What are you going to do when it's time to upgrade? Spend a few thousand on a new CPU and keep going or throw it out and buy a new pre built?

[Finnucane]

The System76 machine bested Phoronix's DIY setup. So clearly they aren't equivalent.

[999900000999]

I don't see how this is possible assuming all the parts are identical.

If I'm too afraid to build my own computer I'll buy a Mac

[bluGill]

Components are not identical. The cpu is, but small things like the case is different and that can make a difference (cooling)

[diffeomorphism]

I am not paying for the install but for their work.

Try installing Windows 7 on a new laptop or Windows 11 on a Chromebook some time. Lots of stuff will not quite work right.

[dvdkon]

As with a lot of things, you can outsource that tinkering to someone else. Seems like a sane business model to me.