laptops for linux

[daniel49]

Have held out with desktops forever. because I like that I can custom build them to my specs. And when something goes wrong merely replace the component. I duel boot with xp and linux mint. Seem to stay in linux about 80% of the time except when I need a windows app for something. If I wanted to continue doing this are there laptops/manufacturers that you would definately avoid or recommend. I know you can buy linux preinstalled from some distributors but I think I would rather do the installation myself...are most manufactures including restore disks with laptops these days? any other thought/snares/suggestions you may have... thx

 

[PCTC2]

Just get the best laptop you can, with/without Linux (it'll generally be without). To be honest, my favorite business-class laptop is the Lenovo T-series (T-430 would be the newest. I have a T-420s and a T-61). But just get a laptop you like and load Linux on it. If the distributor only gives a restore partition for reinstalling Windows, YMMV, but you could always request a new Windows OEM physical disk from their customer support. I have done BootCamp on Macs using SUSE Linux and Ubuntu in the past, but, again, YMMV.

Check reviews for what wireless hardware the laptop uses. Generally, that is the kicker when it comes to drivers. Graphics, keymappings, and bluetooth generally are handled pretty well. I've always had issues using ndiswrapper and generally use cards with Linux support (like Intel wireless cards). I have a system that uses a RALink wireless chipset and I still haven't gotten the kernel module to load everything properly, despite it being installed and detected.

EDIT: You could also ask a mod to move this to *nix Software, and get more *nix user traffic.

 

[daniel49]

seems like I remember reading some reviews on levono where people complained about cheap plastic and touchscreen issues...you haven't found it so?

 

[unokitty]

Have held out with desktops forever. because I like that I can custom build them to my specs. And when something goes wrong merely replace the component. I duel boot with xp and linux mint. Seem to stay in linux about 80% of the time except when I need a windows app for something. If I wanted to continue doing this are there laptops/manufacturers that you would definately avoid or recommend. I know you can buy linux preinstalled from some distributors but I think I would rather do the installation myself...are most manufactures including restore disks with laptops these days? any other thought/snares/suggestions you may have... thx

Just a note, there have been some firmware issues noted with Lenovo portables.

While I don't have UEFI or UEFI issues on my X200, I have noticed that certain utilities only work with Windows. For example, under Linux I can send the video output to the external port or to the built in screen but not both at the same time like I can do in Windows. Consequently, when I want to demonstrate Linux now, I use VMWare.

For what its worth, the X200 boots off a live USB with the current version of Mint with out a problem.

I still think that Lenovo Thinkpads are excellent choices. It would be prudent though to research them well.

Best of luck,
Uno

 

[serpretetsky]

in my experience intel usually provides linux drivers for their hardware, so I would look for laptops with intel chipsets for as many things as possible (ethernet, wireless, video, etc)

 

[holden j caufield]

run a linux vm in windows or vice versa

 

[PCTC2]

seems like I remember reading some reviews on levono where people complained about cheap plastic and touchscreen issues...you haven't found it so?

For the Lenovo IdeaPads, yes, they're really cheap. But for the Thinkpads, they're still pretty much the same as they've always been, though a little lighter (and thus feel a little cheaper). But lighter is better too.

 

[themillak]

i bought a lenovo x120e and replaced the wireless card with an intel one (and switched to a hacked bios to fix their whitelist "feature") so I'll second getting as much intel hardware in a laptop as possible.

you could also check out linlap.com once you find a machine you like.

 

[daniel49]

Ok thanks everyone. Decided on this one to see if a laptop will work for these old eyes http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER