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Lower End Laptop for Linux?

T

TSDible

Golden Member
I'm looking to pass on my Latitude D430 laptop that I have been using for linux (Xubuntu).

I would like to get something that is similar in portability, but a bit beefier in power.

The main things I need are...

-Full Linux Compatibility
-Smart Card Reader for CAC access (Or at least an Express Card slot or PCMCIA where I can install my own)
-SATA (I have IDE now, and I think I would like to move to a solid state drive)
-Budget $400 but cheaper is better... I think I paid $250 for the D430 when I got it

I have really enjoyed the D430, but the 2GB memory limitation is keeping me from upgrading it further. I think the core 2 duo processor was working fine, but it could have been a bit faster.

So, I've decided to put XP back on it and gift it to one of the kids in our family.

Any thoughts on a lower end corporate style laptop that will get the job done?
 
Thanks....

I was actually thinking that a ThinkPad may be the way to go. I will take a look at those sites a bit more closely... the main thing that most of them seem to be missing is the built in smart card reader.

Is there any particular series you recommend? Right now, I'm leaning towards the T series...
 
So now I'm trying to decide if I should go x200 or t400, or step up to the 201, or 410 and the iCore processors....

the x200 and t400 would keep me well in my budget... but I would have to splurge a bit more for the later models...

thoughts?

ETA:

I can also splurge and get a WXGA+ display with the T400 and still be under $400.... 1440x900 might be a nice change...
 
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Some more information...

I will probably run a VM for a version of windows in order to run MS Office applications. I hate to do it, but it is going to be a job requirement.

Will the C2D processors that the t400 offers handle this?

I imagine that I will get a system with at least 4 GB Ram to start.
 
The 1440x900 resolution would indeed be nice. You need to think what is more important to you. Portability with the X series or more screen size with the T series. Also if you plan on keeping this for a long time, perhaps it might be worth it to splurge on a iCore processor.
 
weovpac said:
The 1440x900 resolution would indeed be nice. You need to think what is more important to you. Portability with the X series or more screen size with the T series. Also if you plan on keeping this for a long time, perhaps it might be worth it to splurge on a iCore processor.
Click to expand...

I do really like the portability of my D430.... The max 2GB ram is killing me though I think.

When I look at the X200, it only seems like a small upgrade over the D430.
 
The X200 has a better processor, can take up to 8GB of RAM[not officially supported] and overall better sub-system. Not knowing much on the D430. Also the X200 and T400, differ mainly on the form factor.
 
I ended up grabbing an x201 refurb with 4GB ram for $389 shipped to me.

It is still under warranty until May 2013.

With the i5 processor, I feel it is a great upgrade while staying in budget.
 
TSDible said:
I ended up grabbing an x201 refurb with 4GB ram for $389 shipped to me.

It is still under warranty until May 2013.

With the i5 processor, I feel it is a great upgrade while staying in budget.
Click to expand...

Nice and enjoy; mind telling us where you bought it 😉
 
weovpac said:
Nice and enjoy; mind telling us where you bought it 😉
Click to expand...

It was an eBay purchase.

Unlucky seller had the auction set to end at around 4:30 AM EST. I was getting up early for a fishing trip and took a look at it. I hadn't planned on bidding... When I saw it was still low, I decided to bid the minimum increase with 10s left.

I was actually surprised when I got it for that.

I figure worst case scenario is that it needs a new battery...

Everything else was listed in "Excellent" condition.
 
Got the laptop yesterday evening.

The screen and interior are perfect. There is a superficial long scratch on the lid, but I was expecting cosmetic stuff on the exterior for the price.

I used it a little last night with Win7 *gasp*. It was a great upgrade from the Dell. The keyboard is great, and the screen really stands out above the D430.

I'm going to use windows on it until I get a replacement drive. Now the search begins for a good SSD to use with linux.

🙂
 
Now I just have to figure out what flavor of Linux to go with...

I went with Xubuntu before because it is a bit lighter.... It was still a bit much for the D430.

Now that I have the i5, I should be able to run something like Cinnamon....

hmmmm... decisions decisions.

🙂
 
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You sound like me 🙂 *still has her D430 around*

Xubuntu is definitely too much for the D430 but will run fine on the X201. However, even fast hardware can benefit from light programs and desktops. Why not try Arch, if you know how?

Specifically, since Arch doesn't start you with any defaults, try the LXDE desktop or the Fluxbox window manager with some helper apps like Nitrogen and IDesk. Trinity (KDE 3.5 fork) also runs surprisingly fast.
 
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