When the local HP subsidiary launched its range of Linux-based notebooks earlier this month it did what no other vendor has had the courage to do until now: it offered exactly the same model machine with both Linux and Windows. This enables, for the first time, valid price comparisons to be made between the rival operating systems (OS).

The bottom line is that HP`s NX 6110 notebooks (running Linspire, a version of Linux aimed at the soho market) are expected to retail at R4 499, although this is not yet certain as exchange rate fluctuations may still come into play. According to Jason McMillan, product manager at HP distributor Tarsus Technologies, an identically configured notebook running Windows will set users back R4 999, making the differential R500.

Approached for comment, Jonathan Hatchuel, business group manager: Windows Client at Microsoft SA, indicates that a R500 differential is conceivable. “If you look at the advertising we did last year, we were [listing] the recommended retail price of Windows XP as R699.”