I was actually on my way to buy a very cool HP Pavillon at Fust, gave them a call to check the same thing and they told me that anywhere in the French speaking part of Switzerland you'll only get it with a French keyboard. The only solution (according to this guy) is to buy stickers online to put on the keyboard and install the laptop in English, or to buy the laptop in an english speaking country.

Dell online is both cheaper and comes with UK set up if you want it that way.... the warranty they sell can be extended also.... its not altogether a bad deal.

Hi Kris,

Bying a PC with Windows in English in a shop will be difficult.
Only version of Windows I know of where you can change the language while it is installed is Windows 7 Ultimate, which will not be installed on any PC you can buy at a reasonable price.
Easiest way I can think of is bying a PC in the store and re-installing the OS from the OEM-CD that it's delivered with. That shouldn't be a problem; I can't guarantee it though.But it should be doable; with a little ..."imagination" ;-)
If you wanna be on the safe side you got to a store like www.prodimex.com or www.stegcomputer.ch, who are way more customer-oriented then mediamarkt , Fust, or Interdiscount. Plus, Prodimex or Steg actually have people who know what they're talking of, while most in Mediamarkt, Fust or Interdiscount can't say the difference between a PC and a toaster.
Anyway, Prodimex or Steg will be able to install another language then French on your computer to buy from them; obviously it's a service and be charged.
Gotta ask..

If you decide to try to buy and re-install the OS, let me know if you need a hand, I can be of help there. I do stuff like that ...

Other solution: Apple .... stores can order your computer with different language. But they're obviously waaaaaaaay overpriced - and not Windows, if you need to have it. Otherwise, think if you really need to have Windows ?!

Good luck considering some options ;-)

Cheers,

Dominik

You might have more luck with a small, local computer seller who custom builds their computers in-house.  Their OEM licensing agreement from Microsoft should allow them to install Windows 7 in various languages...

I agree with Dominik: Consider if you really need Windows.

In my view, the biggest reason to choose Windows is familiarity and games, and only that.

If games are not your priority (and some games can be made to run, anyway), then the free Ubuntu Linux is a good thing, and comes in just about every language spoken on Earth. It also behaves a lot like Windows.

The free OpenOffice.org will get you a long way, if not all the way. I have used it for many years in a professional context with clients using MS Office.

Why not back up your documents and try Ubuntu on your existing machine?

Hey Kris,

Got my HP G62 at Media Markt in Meyrin, it came with Windows 7 and the option of installing it in four different languages at the initial bootup. Quite a bargain as well, especially for a machine with a 7200 rpm HD. You will not have an easy time finding an English keyboard though - stickers do help, as well as touch-typing.

Good luck with finding your English-conversing mate =)

Hi Kris,

Yesterday only, I discovered a new and small second-hand PCs/laptops shop -that gave me a good impression- run by an IT wizzard, Maurizio Notarangelo.

I understand they also do custom installations. They could help you with your current computer and advise you on how to get your new one in English.

ADDRESS: ITOPIE INFORMATIQUE on rue Lissignol (a few meters away from MANOR).  Monday-Friday 022 557 6370, itopie @ gmail.com  www. itopie. ch

Hope this helps!

Sary

If you want a tower anyone good should be able to provided you a pc in english - sourcing a keyboard is then easy.

Alternatively as Charlie says go buy a Dell they will put on whatever language you like,  the guarantee should be international, and they supply it with whatever keyboard you want.

If you need it setup afterwards contact me I ran an IT company in Spain until recently.

Another alternative is go the MAC route - yet again you can specify what keyboard and language you want but these can be bought in the high street. As the languages are built in you don't even need the system loaded specially just a keyboard change which should be a 5 minute job.

The Mac can even be dual boot with Windows - using your old windows license maybe possible - You won't be able to legally use your old computer afterwards.

As a technician I would advise you against buying HP there customer service is notoriously bad - even as a registered technician I have had real problems with them. Dell on the other hand have superb after sales support.

Cheers,

Chris

www.digitec.ch  - they have also shops across Switzerland and are distributor for DELL as well.

If you order your DELL pc/notebook there, you´ll have it the next day. As they are DELL distributor, you might also get your OS in English. (They might even set it up for you - just ask).

Cheers,

Sylvio

Thanks to everyone for advice, got my new PC today from MediaMarkt. Just installed windows and it is English :)