Looking to buy a laptop

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hpj2007

117 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#21699 4-May-2008 14:20

Here are my requirements:

1. Hardware must be 100% linux compatible. (incl WiFi) Linux will be my parmary OS.
2. Atleast 2GB memory that is upgradable to 4GB (i run 1 or 2 virtual machines)
3. CPU is not important but atleast the low end dual core, I don't want a Celeron.
4. Good reliable laptop with no overheat issues etc as it will probably be used all day.
5. Good warranty that is extendable to 3 yr or more. (No i don't want to send my laptop away for 3 weeks and have to keep checking its status when its in for repair if something goes wrong)
6. Windows Vista home premium or higher license as also do some MS development. (Is that what is needed minimum for installing sql 2005/2008 developer and vs2005/2008 pro?)

Budget: around $1500

What brands other than Dell offer linux compatibility?

Currently I am leaning towards:

Processor

Intel® Centrino® Processor Technology - Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T5750 (2.0 GHz/ 667MHz FSB/ 2MB Cache)

Operating system

Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium

Memory

2GB 667MHz dual-channel DDR2 SDRAM Shared with Graphics

Harddrive

250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive

Monitor

15.4" Widescreen WXGA (1280x800) TFT Display with TrueLife™

Graphic Card

Intel® Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator X3100

Optical Device

8X max DVD+/-RW Drive with DVD+R double layer write capability

Wireless Network Card

Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card

Service

1-Year Limited Next Business Day On-site Service

Dell Inspiron(TM) 1525 Laptop
E-VALUE CODE : R510507N

Online Store Price

NZD 1,298.25

(All prices are inclusive of GST and delivery)

hpj2007

117 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#128397 4-May-2008 14:30

I don't understand why its $167.63 to upgrade memory to 3GB. Do they upgrade the mobo of the laptop too? Can I not just grab a 2GB DIMM from http://c1com.co.nz/shop/step1.php?number=13197 for $60 and sell the 1GB module I have to take out of the system to save further!

rscole86

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#128400 4-May-2008 14:42

Depending on the cheapness, then yes they maybe swapping out the motherboard at the same time.
I would ask them for the motherbaord specs so that you can find out for yourself.

manhinli

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#128405 4-May-2008 14:58

Just because Dell do sell laptops with Linux doesn't mean Linux compatibility.

I would rather shop around, and look at the finer specs online or look at other people's experiences.

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hpj2007

117 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#128512 5-May-2008 07:39

Thats true but I have checked this specs of this one and it is using all intel components that are same as the linux laptops dell sells overseas.

bigal_nz

635 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#128514 5-May-2008 08:26

Dell is crap.

Buy a good brand like ASUS or Toshiba.

Have you ever tried to get parts or repairs from Dell? GOOD LUCK.

foobar

186 posts

Master Geek

#128527 5-May-2008 09:35

Well, I don't know about the 'Dell is crap' statement. I've been using Dell for some time now without problem.
But I have to admit that so far I didn't have to have anything repaired on it. Which is good, I guess.

But the important point is that you get hardware that is well supported in Linux. I think you are on the right track
by chosing the Intel graphics card. Intel is quite good to the open source community as far as the specs and
drivers for those is concerned. So, with the Intel graphics cards you should be able to have hibernation and
suspend working nicely. My laptop has an Nvidia card, which is also reasonably well supported, but hibernation
to disk won't work with it (suspend does, though). But I know someone who has a laptop with Intel graphics cards
and it all works for him.

I would also point out that it's best to have the WiFi chip(set) from Intel as well. I have one of those in my Dell
Laptop and support for it under Linux is completely seamless and smooth.

Finally, when you have found a laptop model you are considering, do go to Google and search for "<name-of-laptop> Linux",
or if you know already which Linux distro you want to run, search for the name of the laptop and the name of that
distro. You will often get hits to people posting their experience with that machine and Linux. Beware that many laptops
come in many different configurations. Someone could have the same model, but with a different graphic card, for example.

The blog: foobar on computers, software and the rest of the world: http://www.geekzone.co.nz/foobar

Dell

Shop now for Dell laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

GamerOC

439 posts

Ultimate Geek

#128737 6-May-2008 10:01

Shop around for the best bang for the buck and do your research in regards compatibility problems that others are experiencing in same brand machines and components. my experience with linux is that can be time consuming figuring out how to setup everything to run well. but once is setup and working is better thatn windows.

I just bought a midhigh range Toshiba laptop and has been a nightmare, problems with overheating and the computer just become nonresponsive too often.

Lew

heavenlywild

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#128754 6-May-2008 11:34

GamerOC: Shop around for the best bang for the buck and do your research in regards compatibility problems that others are experiencing in same brand machines and components. my experience with linux is that can be time consuming figuring out how to setup everything to run well. but once is setup and working is better thatn windows.

I just bought a midhigh range Toshiba laptop and has been a nightmare, problems with overheating and the computer just become nonresponsive too often.

Lew

Just wondering, what Toshiba laptop did you buy? I am looking to get a new Toshiba. Thanks.