Is this a real issue in some countries? I live in the UK and unless you are buying from the High Street there is usually always the option to purchase without Windows included.
A few years ago I went around to buy a laptop without Windows here in Taiwan. 5 places I asked, the general answer was "There isn't a laptop without windows" up to the point where one clerk told me "It's illegal to sell a laptop without windows!" (in all seriousness).
After a few weeks, I've found 1 place that was selling no-OS Lenovos, I got better specs than available for Windows versions, and I'm very happy with it. Still, it was difficult, and as much as I can see, it would be still difficult here in Taiwan, even if more people start to use on-Windows systems, there's just fewer people who demand change like this, because "well, just remove Windows after you bought the computer".... Soon I'll need a new machine and not looking forward to the search. Makes me sad.
After a few weeks, I've found 1 place that was selling no-OS Lenovos, I got better specs than available for Windows versions, and I'm very happy with it. Still, it was difficult, and as much as I can see, it would be still difficult here in Taiwan, even if more people start to use on-Windows systems, there's just fewer people who demand change like this, because "well, just remove Windows after you bought the computer".... Soon I'll need a new machine and not looking forward to the search. Makes me sad.