ASUS released a press release yesterday clarifying their position on the yellow “Warranty void if removed” sticker on the bottom of the Eee PC devices that covers the RAM slot:

Will the use of Linux void the manufacturer’s warranty of your computer hardware? This is one fear that prevents some people from making the leap to Linux, which is why it is on my Top 10 List of Linux FUD Patterns. The short answer is, it depends; however, there are steps that you can take to increase your probability of receiving service under a warranty.

If your laptop hinge broke after a few months you might expect a warranty repair. This guy discovered to his horror that the biggest IT superstore in the UK would not repair his laptop because he had installed Linux. But then the story started getting really bizarre.

When the Dell/Ubuntu machines were announced, it was possible to extend the default warranty to 2-4 years as well as adding "CompleteCare" accidental breakage protection. These options have since been quietly removed from all Ubuntu systems though they remain on the Vista ones. Is Dell serious about supporting Linux or was this all just a PR stunt?

I have read a rather sad story today. Apparently the Best Buy Geeks squad refused to service the machine of someone who had purchased an $80 extended warranty for its netbook just because he had installed Ubuntu Linux.

In the past several days, rumors have surfaced that Dell would not be offering extended warranty and CompleteCare hardware support options for its Ubuntu Linux desktop and laptops. And indeed, if you went to Dell's Ubuntu PC buying site, you'd find those options missing.

I have liked Mandriva since Mandrake Linux 9.1. Its been an amazing distribution ever since. My wife's vaio completed 1 year and ran out of official warranty. The problem started right after the first install.

"...Users who make unauthorized modifications to the software on their iPhone violate their iPhone software license agreement and void their warranty..."

Recently, a user who had replaced Windows on his netbook with Ubuntu Linux discovered that, as far as Best Buy was concerned, he had voided his warranty. For all practical purposes, he had.