Order an HP Mini-Note running Linux in the US and you get a Mini-Note running Linux, a power cable, and that’s about it. There’s no system restore disk, and no drivers for installing alternate operating systems. While you can find drivers and software for Windows Vista on the HP support site, there’s no official support for Windows XP. But it looks like if you order a Linux model in Hong Kong, you get both a Linux “system repair” CD and a disc with Windows XP drivers.
These discs are listed under “promotions,” which makes it sound like HP might not offer them indefinitely. But honestly, that doesn’t make any sense — unless HP does eventually plan to make the drivers and a Linux OS/restore utility available on its web site, in which case the company will be able to save the marginal cost of creating and shipping the discs.
It’s still not clear why HP would offer this promotion in Hong Kong and not the US or other markets though.
[via MiniNoteUser]