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Comment by jaseemabid | Hacker News Reader

> They come with Windows by default, but you can pick Ubuntu instead and shave about $100 off the price.

How awesome!

I thought the "Microsoft tax" was effectively negative these days, i.e that Microsoft wanted Dell to sell Windows machines so OEM licenses are very cheap, but more importantly that the crapware bundlers were also paying the manufacturers to have the trial of their particular AV software pre installed.

That's why I'm surprised the Ubuntu isn't more expensive than the Windows version even if a Windows license itself would add to the cost.

I love the random Swedish word in an otherwise flawlessly English comment!

Which word?

He had "effektivt" (or similar) instead of "effectively" initially.

Haha damn you swedish autocorrect. I noticed and edited while you commented and now your remark just looks silly :)

Here is a new word to compensate: Smörgåstårta

A Windows 10 license is about $50. What is the other $50?

Dell tax on options, I'd wager. If you look at the cost on everything that isn't the base, laptop manufacturers generally add an extra 100% on the retail price of these parts. 200% if you're Apple.

Not sure why you got down voted, Apple's single most insidious, egregious rip off? Memory.

To upgrade your iMac from base 8GB, 4x4 to 32GB is SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS.

Alternatively you can buy this aftermarket from Crucial, same timings, etc, for $139.98.

There is no earthly way that can possibly be justified - a four hundred and thirty per cent mark up on retail prices - even more when you consider the after market lets you keep the original 8GB, whereas your six hundred bucks at apple.com does not.

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