[avhception]

At work, we needed a PC for a Linux-based Webkiosk the other day. The computer proposed by the colleague who actually orders stuff comes with a Windows license. I said we don't need that. A fruitless, lame effort was made to locate a substitute w/o a Windows license. I renewed my protest, but the feeling that the problem is me was already floating in the air. I gave up. We purchased a Windows license to run Linux. For the umpteenth time. It's like a Microsoft tax on PCs.

[al_borland]

Those OEM licenses do seem quite cheap. I think it was Dell who gave an option for a while. To remove the Windows license and have Ubuntu instead only saved $10.

It was low enough where I think most buyers questioned if it would be worth it to have the license just incase.

[mwwaters]

I’ve heard the actual OEM cost is offset by the manufacturer getting paid for all the bloatware included.

[rini17]

Kiosk can probably be done with rpi.

[avhception]

From a CPU / GPU standpoint? Yes. From a "I need to constantly replace SD cards or netboot the weird firmware" standpoint? I'd rather not.

[account42]

Yeah, this kind of crap is exactly what antitrust laws are supposed to prevent but governments don't care.