• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Laptops good for dualbooting windows/linux

B

bgibb

Junior Member

I'm still shopping for a laptop. I'm going to be need to work in a unix/linux environment atleast part of the time. Its been a while since I've installed a linux distribution, and I'm curious what kind of compatibility issues if any mind come into play with laptops.

Right now, I'm seriously considering and having a hard time deciding between Dell D600, D800, IBM T40, and since I'm in an academic science environment where Apples for some reason are popular, I'm also considering a powerbook(reluctantly).

I am concerned about compatability for wireless solutions(both intel, and dell's 1300/1400 solution), as well as the 15.4 UXGA screen on the D800 and 8500.

Any comments, advice and insight is appreciated.


 
Don't know about the Dell's, but the Powerbooks will run Linux. And OS X is a Unix, so you might not need Linux, depending.

I have a feeling running Linux on a laptop is tougher than on a desktop, just because of all the weird hardware out there.
 
I am guessing that a thinkpad would run linux well. I think i heard that somewhere. (dont know where)
 
Pretty much any laptop you get will work in linux. You may have to use generic drivers for some devices, but everything should work. I have an Inspiron 600m, and I run redhat 9 on it (I took the easy way out, it detects everything for you =P ). The only thing that doesn't work right now is the wireless card, Intel hasn't released drivers for it yet, but hopefully that will come soon. Until then, I just use the builtin gigabit card that works fine.
 
Thanks for the advice. I ordered a IBM T40 through my school at a kickass discount. Got a Pentium M 1.6, 512, cdrw/dvd, 80gb hd, sxga, 802.11 a/b card...and the rest of the works for $1999. Just need to find the right backpack to haul this thing back and forth to campus with in all kinds of crazy philly weather conditions and on a bike.

 
Man, I wish my school had discounts like that. Checked them out before getting my T40, thinking they would offer at least some kind of discount, only to find that they wanted more than list...
 
Originally posted by: bgibb
Thanks for the advice. I ordered a IBM T40 through my school at a kickass discount. Got a Pentium M 1.6, 512, cdrw/dvd, 80gb hd, sxga, 802.11 a/b card...and the rest of the works for $1999. Just need to find the right backpack to haul this thing back and forth to campus with in all kinds of crazy philly weather conditions and on a bike.
Click to expand...

What school do you go to ?
 
I'm at UPenn. They're having similar savings on D600, D800 and Powerbooks. The IBM in my mind was the best of the lot, and to top it off, probably had the most savings off retail price. I just have no idea when the thing will arrive.
 
I just saw that T40 yesterday. Damn that laptop is slim. I have an Inspiron 8200, and I'm starting to feel that it's making a permanent dent in my shoulder. I guess the only consolation was that I got it for a good price and it has all the expansion and ports that I need.

If I were to buy a laptop now, I'd seriously consider the T40. Congrats on your new purchase!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top