Reply #2: I like small form factor computers... [View All]

[hunter]

... ever since USB 2. Excluding video or memory, if your computer is lacking something you can simply plug it in.

But I'm not afraid to open up laptops either.

Make sure it's got a legal copy of Windows XP, and that it's a fresh install that's reasonably up to date, especially if your internet is dial-up. I haven't bought anything from the guys in your photo, but they've been around quite long enough that Microsoft would have shut them down if they were selling unlicensed copies of Windows.

Personally, I never worry about that because I always wipe my new Windows machines and install Linux, mostly Ubuntu. I loathe product "activation" forms or serial numbers. I want software that's always mine to do with as I please.

Ubuntu does have trouble with some proprietary stuff, and you may hate that, but my own response is to simply ignore anything requiring the use of Microsoft or Apple operating systems. No iTunes for me, although I've heard some brave backstreet code butchers have got it to work.