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Smartphones

Galaxy S3 with Replicant

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- Get it from -

- Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

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- Get it from -

- Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

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Your smartphone isn't just a phone--it's a computer you carry with you every day. It's your camera, your connection to your friends and family, and, for many people around the world, their only internet-enabled device. By choosing one of these phones, you're bringing freedom to your pocket, not just your communications.

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In addition to Technoethical's refurbished S3, they also offer an S2 and N2.

- Runs the Replicant free operating system, based on Android. -

- Features F-Droid, the free software catalogue that makes it easy to get all the applications you need without sacrificing control of your phone. -

Note: While the main processor is exclusively running free software, the modem processor runs a Samsung nonfree system.

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Laptops and Tablets

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Full-Sized Laptops

T400 with GNU/Linux

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- Get it from -

- Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

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- Get it from -

- Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

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Setting up a fully free system is easier than it used to be, but can still seem daunting--especially if you've never done it before. Luckily, you can now get a new-to-you laptop that's ready to go out of the box.

While we're highlighting the follow laptops, there are other options available.

Runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system and libreboot firmware.
Durable hardware is meant to last and is easy to repair.
Created by a small business that replaces all restrictive components from a stock laptop.

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Apple Macbook Pro with macOS

Runs on proprietary software that restricts the user's freedoms.
- Apple's App Store uses DRM to restrict what you can do with your purchases. -
Comes crawling with spyware.

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Compact Laptops

X200 with GNU/Linux

- - - -

- Get it from -

- - Libiquity -

- Libiquity's X200 is Respects Your Freedom certified, but shipping is limited to the US. Sale details. - -

- Technoethical -

- Technoethical's X200 has not yet been evaluated for Respects Your Freedom certification, but global shipping is available. Sale details. -

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- - -

- Get it from -

- Libiquity -

- Libiquity's X200 is Respects Your Freedom-certified, but shipping is limited to the US. Sale details. -

- Technoethical -

- Technoethical's X200 has not yet been evaluated for Respects Your Freedom certification, but global shipping is available. Sale details. -

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Runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system with libreboot firmware. The X200 sold by Libiquity is also certified to Respect Your Freedom.
Durable hardware is meant to last and is easy to repair.
Created by a small business that replaces all restrictive components from a stock laptop.

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Lenovo U31 with Windows

Runs on proprietary software that profits from treating the user as a product -- each account is assigned an advertising ID to help Microsoft sell user - data. -
Mandatory Windows updates force users to test potentially unstable new versions. Read more about Windows's abuses.

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LibreTea Computer Card in Earth-friendly chassis

- - - PRE-ORDER - - - -

LibreTea computer in modular chassis

Interchangeable components for easy repairs and reduced waste.
Hardware designs available so you can 3D-print new parts!
Comes with the Free Software Foundation-endorsed Parabola operating system. This product is pending Respects Your Freedom certification.

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- Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

- ThinkPenguin -

- Sale details. -

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- Get it from -

- Technoethical - -

- Sale details. -

- ThinkPenguin -

- Sale details. -

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Mini Wi-Fi Adapter

Great for all-free-software installations on laptops with incompatible Wi-Fi hardware. If you use a laptop listed in this guide, an adapter like this won't be necessary.
Certified to Respect Your Freedom.

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Convertible Laptops/Tablets

X200t with GNU/Linux

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- Get it from -

- - Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

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- Get it from -

- - Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

- -

Runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system with libreboot firmware.
Durable hardware is meant to last and is easy to repair.
Created by a small business that replaces all restrictive components from a stock laptop.

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Microsoft Surface

Runs on proprietary software that profits from treating the user as a product -- each account is assigned an advertising ID to help Microsoft sell user - data. -
Mandatory Windows updates force users to test potentially unstable new versions. Read more about Windows's abuses.

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3D Printers

LulzBot Mini

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- Get it from -

- LulzBot -

- Sale details. -

- - -

- Get it from -

- LulzBot -

- Sale details. -

- -

Respects Your Freedom-certified by the FSF to run with all free software, making 3D printing more accessible and encouraging innovation.
Performance and seamless interface earned it "Editor's Choice" in Tom's Guide's 2016 3D printer comparison.
Hardware designs available to make customization easy. Standardized material format allows 3D printing with plastics, wood-, stone-, bamboo-, rubber-, and metal-like materials.

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Makerbot Replicator Mini

- MakerWare software is proprietary, restricting freedom and stifling innovation. -
- MakerBot was founded with a more freedom-respecting philosophy, but has since announced an increasingly proprietary approach and distanced itself from the community that formed around it. -

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- -

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- ThinkPenguin -

- Sale details. -

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- Get it from -

- ThinkPenguin -

- Sale details. -

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Long-Range Wi-Fi Adapter -

More powerful than its smaller cousin, and can be further upgraded with a larger antenna.
Certified to Respect Your Freedom.

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eBooks

Project Gutenberg

- - - DOWNLOAD - -

All of the ebooks are gratis, including classics like Peter Pan and Huck Finn.
The original purveyor of eBooks free of DRM (Digital Restrictions Management), inspiring many others.
Enjoy the freedom to read your ebooks on any device.

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Amazon.com

- Amazon can remotely block or delete individual ebooks or your entire library with no warning or explanation (they've done it before). -
- Amazon uses DRM to prevent you from sharing your favorite books with friends or moving them between readers. -
- Amazon openly claims - you don't actually own or control your ebooks. -

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The Free Software Foundation, as a small publisher of - books, recommends not purchasing on Amazon. If you do, please use smile.amazon.com to designate a nonprofit to receive some of the money.

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Graphic Design

GIMP and Inkscape

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- GIMP - Inkscape -

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- GIMP - Inkscape -

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Free software, with thriving developer communities.
Designed for free formats, but can also open files created in other programs.
Wide variety of plugins grants limitless features.
Easy to install on all major operating systems.

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Photoshop and Illustrator

Proprietary software controlled by Adobe.
Shuts down when its DRM is unable to verify the costly required subscription, even if it's actually up to date.
Prefers locked-down proprietary formats.

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- ThinkPenguin -

- Sale details. -

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- Get it from -

- ThinkPenguin -

- Sale details. -

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VPN Router

Designed to complement your existing router by providing a VPN that enhances privacy and security and circumvents network controls.
Designed for easy set-up.
As free as can be: runs the FSF-endorsed LibreCMC operating system on hardware that is certified to Respect Your Freedom.

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Gift Cards

FSF Membership Card

- - - BUY - -

Join over 3,500 active members working to make a better world built on free software.
Enjoy a host of member benefits, including admission to the yearly LibrePlanet conference.
Membership donations are tax-deductible in the US. For a smaller gift, donate in a friend's name.

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iTunes Cards

DRM on everything (except music) controls what you can do with your purchases. -
Apple claims (wrongly) that you don't actually own anything you buy from the iTunes store.
Requires proprietary software to use, even to download DRM-free music.

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Smartphones

Galaxy Note 2 with Replicant

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- Get it from -

- Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

- - -

- Get it from -

- Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

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Why it's cool: Ever feel like every time you pick up your smartphone, someone is watching you? This may not cut off their access entirely, but it will make their job a little harder.

Your smartphone is so much more than a phone: it's a tiny computer you carry with you every day, and for many people around the world, it's their only internet-enabled device. Choosing one of these phones lets you bring software freedom everywhere you go.

You can also get an S2 or S3, complete with Replicant.

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- Runs the Replicant free operating system, based on Android. -
- Features F-Droid, the free software catalog that makes it easy to get all the applications you need without sacrificing control of your phone. -
Note: While the main processor is exclusively running free software, the modem processor runs a Samsung nonfree system.

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Stay away from: iPhones

Comes with no shortage of spyware.
- iOS is a fully proprietary operating system, giving Apple control over the software on the devices. -
- Apple uses Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) to block competing software. -

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Laptops, Tablets, and Desktops

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Laptops

T400 with GNU/Linux

- - - - - -

- Get it from -

- Technoethical -

- The T400 is Respects Your Freedom certified. Sale details. -

- Minifree -

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- Get it from -

- Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

- Minifree -

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Why it's cool: You need a reliable computer for work and play. This one is just dandy for both, minus icky DRM and spyware.

Setting up a fully free system is easier than it used to be, but can still seem daunting -- especially if you've never done it before. Luckily, you can now get a new-to-you laptop that's ready to go out of the box.

Technoethical also has a T400s available.

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Runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system and libreboot firmware.
Durable hardware is meant to last and is easy to repair.
Created by a small business that replaces all restrictive components from a stock laptop.

Stay away from: Microsoft Windows

Runs on proprietary software that profits from treating the user as a product -- each account is assigned an advertising ID to help Microsoft sell user - data. -
Mandatory Windows updates force users to test potentially unstable new versions. Read more about Windows's abuses.

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Compact Laptops

X200 with GNU/Linux

- - - - - - -

- Get it from -

- - Libiquity -

- Libiquity's X200 is Respects Your Freedom certified, but shipping is limited to the US. Sale details. - -

- Technoethical -

- Technoethical's X200 is Respects Your Freedom certified. Global shipping is available. Sale details. -

- Vikings -

- Vikings's X200 is Respects Your Freedom certified. Global shipping is available. Sale details. - -

- -

- - -

- Get it from -

- Libiquity -

- Libiquity's X200 is Respects Your Freedom-certified, but shipping is limited to the US. Sale details. -

- Technoethical -

- Technoethical's X200 is Respects Your Freedom certified, and global shipping is available. Sale details. -

- Vikings -

- Viking's X200 is Respects Your Freedom certified. Global shipping is available. Sale details.

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Why it's cool: Take it to the office, take it to the cafe, take it to class, take it home and set it up on the counter so you can rock out while you cook. Do all of this the easy way.

This machine is made to go everywhere with you, and thanks to Libiquity and Technoethical, you can have your mobility and your freedom too.

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Runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system with libreboot firmware. The X200 sold by Libiquity is also certified to Respect Your Freedom.
Durable hardware is meant to last and is easy to repair.
Created by a small business that replaces all restrictive components from a stock laptop.

Stay away from: Apple

Runs on proprietary software that restricts the user's freedoms.
- Apple app stores use DRM to restrict what you can do with your purchases. -
Comes crawling with spyware.

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Convertible Laptops/Tablets

X200t with GNU/Linux

- - - -

- Get it from -

- - Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

- - -

- Get it from -

- - Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

- -

Why it's cool: Use it as a laptop or as a tablet with a built-in stylus. It may not be a brand-new concept, but it'll always feel a little futuristic.

Enjoy all the portability of a tablet, without having to hunt-and-peck every letter when it comes time to do some work. It's versatile, multi-purpose, and stylish, and fits smoothly into every environment in your life (without pummeling you with the abuses of proprietary software).

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Runs the FSF-endorsed Trisquel operating system with libreboot firmware.
Durable hardware is meant to last and is easy to repair.
Created by a small business that replaces all restrictive components from a stock laptop.

Stay away from: Microsoft Surface

Runs on proprietary software that profits from treating the user as a product -- each account is assigned an advertising ID to help Microsoft sell user - data. -
Mandatory Windows updates force users to test potentially unstable new versions. Read more about Windows's abuses.

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Desktops

The Workstation, a tower computer by Vikings

D16 Workstation with GNU/Linux

- - - -

- Get it from -

- Vikings -

- The D16 Workstation is not Respects Your Freedom certified at this point. Sale details. -

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- Get it from -

- Vikings -

- The Workstation is not Respects Your Freedom certified at this point. -

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Why it's cool: Sometimes you need heavy-duty computing power that a laptop just can't provide.

Gamers, video editors, and other users may want or need a more powerful machine â a desktop is the answer when you really need that extra push. Also good for users who want a bigger screen.

Vikings offers three desktop computers. (ThinkPenguin also has desktops.) -

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Options of coming with the FSF-endorsed Trisquel or Parabola operating systems.
Free boot firmware.
Customize and specialize to your needs.

Stay away from: Apple iMac

An iMac puts designers and film makers at risk:

Photoshop and Illustrator have pesky DRM that can prevent the software from running even with a valid subscription.
Format lock-in keeps users from switching software.

Stay away from: Alienware Aurora

This gaming desktop claims to come without boundaries, but it does include enough proprietary software to limit any gamer.

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Wireless Adapters

Mini Wi-Fi Adapter

- - - -

- Technoethical -

- Sale details. -

- ThinkPenguin -

- Sale details. -

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- Get it from -

- Technoethical - -

- Sale details. -

- ThinkPenguin -

- Sale details. -

- - - -

Why it's cool: Trying to go 100% free but stuck with a proprietary wifi card? just plug this into your USB port and you're ready to go.

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Great for all-free-software installations on laptops with incompatible Wi-Fi hardware.
Certified to Respect Your Freedom.
Options from Technoethical and ThinkPenguin.
If you use a laptop listed in this guide, an adapter like this won't be necessary.

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Long Range Wi-Fi Adapter

- - - -

- ThinkPenguin -

- Sale details. -

- - -

- Get it from -

- ThinkPenguin -

- Sale details. -

- - -

- -

More powerful than its smaller cousin, and can be further upgraded with a larger antenna.
Certified to Respect Your Freedom.
Multiple options from Technoethical and ThinkPenguin.

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VPN Router

- - - -

- ThinkPenguin -

- Sale details. -

- - -

- Get it from -

- ThinkPenguin -

- Sale details. -

- - -

Designed to complement your existing router by providing a VPN that enhances privacy and security and circumvents network controls.
Designed for easy set-up.
As free as can be: runs the FSF-endorsed LibreCMC operating system on hardware that is certified to Respect Your Freedom.

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3D Printers

LulzBot Mini

- - - -

- Get it from -

- LulzBot -

- Lulzbot is having general sales Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Sale details. - -

- - -

- Get it from -

- LulzBot -

- Sale details. -

- -

Why it's cool: Think ahead -- if you give this to your friend or relative, they might use it next year to make YOU a gift.

3D printers are an amazing learning and exploration tool for kids and a fun toy for grownups, and they've come a long way from their origins in the early 2000s. Keep it free and fun by digging into the zillions of free software options for modeling, and communities that share freely licensed designs.

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Performance and seamless interface earned it "Editor's Choice" in Tom's Guide's 2017 3D printer comparison.
Hardware designs are available to make customization easy. Standardized material format allows 3D printing with plastics, wood-, stone-, bamboo-, rubber-, and metal-like materials.

Stay away from: MakerBot

- MakerWare software is proprietary, restricting freedom and stifling innovation. -
- MakerBot was founded with a more freedom-respecting philosophy, but has since announced an increasingly proprietary approach and distanced itself from the community that formed around it. -

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Books, Music, and Video

- - -

Books

DRM-free Ebooks

- -

There are a lot of options for where to get your literature fix without any pesky DRM. We're highlighting some publishers and shops who are offering deals for you!

Delphi Classics has a wide range of classic literature available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Use the code fsfdelphi for 30% off orders over $10 through the end of December.
Ediciones Babylon can supply you with all of your Spanish language needs for comics, art, novellas, and novels. Use the code FSFDISCOUNTEB for 5% off all the way through March 2018.
No Starch Press specializes in educational, instructional, and how-to books on everything from arduinos to system administration. Use the code ETHICTECH for 40% off through January 10th, 2018.

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Stay away from: Amazon

Amazon is one of the most notorious of DRM offenders. Whether it's their Kindle e-reader or their countless DRM-encumbered ebooks, Amazon is the place to go if you want to let someone else snatch away texts from your personal library.
Where's O'Reilly? While the publisher's ebooks are still available from third party sellers (in both DRM-free and DRM-encumbered formats), O'Reilly themselves stopped selling their DRM-free catalogue earlier in 2017.

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Music

DRM-free Music

- - -

Many consider music essential to the richness of the human experience. Thanks to the many artists, producers, record labels, and shops highlighted on Defective by Design, the rights-respecting options are nearly endless. Check out music from great labels and artists, including:

Dischord Records, a classic punk label providing music since 1980.
Folkways, courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute.
Merge Records, home to Grammy-winning and well-loved indie darlings.
Nine Inch Nails, the industrial rock band fronted by Trent Reznor.
They Might Be Giants, delivering tunes to you since the 1980s.

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Stay away from: Spotify

Spotify isn't the only offender when it comes to putting DRM in music--all major streaming services do this with the support of big record labels.

In addition to streaming music encumbered by DRM, people who want to use Spotify are required to install additional proprietary software. Even Spotify's client for GNU/Linux relies on proprietary software.

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Video

DRM-free Video

As winter comes to the Northern Hemisphere, it's the perfect time to curl up under a blanket and watch some DRM-free video. In the Southern Hemisphere? Enjoy relaxing with a great movie actually owned by you.

You can find your DRM-free video fix at places including:

ComedyDirect can make you laugh while storing your videos locally.
Moving Image Archive is a section of Archive.org containing thousands of film releases, available to stream or download.
Sintel has a huge selection of DRM-free films made with free software.
WolfeOnDemand provides for all of your LGBTQ watching desires.

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Stay away from: Netflix

Whether it's using major studios as scapegoats for using DRM or pushing for DRM as an official W3C Recommendation, Netflix has been at the front line of getting DRM into media online and in your home.

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CLEVER TAG LINE HERE THANKS DANA

You can't always judge a book by its cover

But sometimes you can look inside

Smartphones

Galaxy S3 with Replicant

Laptops and Tablets

Full-Sized Laptops

T400 with GNU/Linux

Apple Macbook Pro with macOS

Compact Laptops

X200 with GNU/Linux

Lenovo U31 with Windows

LibreTea computer in modular chassis

Mini Wi-Fi Adapter

Convertible Laptops/Tablets

X200t with GNU/Linux

Microsoft Surface

3D Printers

LulzBot Mini

Makerbot Replicator Mini

Long-Range Wi-Fi Adapter -

eBooks

Project Gutenberg

Amazon.com

Graphic Design

GIMP and Inkscape

Photoshop and Illustrator

VPN Router

Gift Cards

FSF Membership Card

iTunes Cards

Recommended organizations for holiday donations

Promotion details

Companies, distributors, and makers of freedom friendly gadgets and media want to make it easier for you to give gifts that you feel good about. Check out these discounts and promotions.

Respects Your Freedoms

Licenses

Give the gift of freedom!

Smartphones

Galaxy Note 2 with Replicant

Stay away from: iPhones

Laptops, Tablets, and Desktops

Laptops

T400 with GNU/Linux

Stay away from: Microsoft Windows

Compact Laptops

X200 with GNU/Linux

Stay away from: Apple

Convertible Laptops/Tablets

X200t with GNU/Linux

Stay away from: Microsoft Surface

Desktops

D16 Workstation with GNU/Linux

Stay away from: Apple iMac

Stay away from: Alienware Aurora

Wireless Adapters

Mini Wi-Fi Adapter

Long Range Wi-Fi Adapter

VPN Router

3D Printers

LulzBot Mini

Stay away from: MakerBot

Books, Music, and Video

Books

DRM-free Ebooks

Stay away from: Amazon

Music

DRM-free Music

Stay away from: Spotify

Video

DRM-free Video

Stay away from: Netflix

Recommended organizations for holiday donations

Promotion details

Companies, distributors, and makers of freedom-friendly gadgets and media want to make it easier for you to give gifts that you feel good about. Check out these discounts and promotions.

Licenses