What is your favorite Computer maker for running Linux?
 

We all know that 90% of all computers manufactured today (not including Mac) are specifcally built to run Windows. Compatibility with Linux is hit or miss on many pc manufacturers. Some pc makers are well know for their support of Linux, others are well known for their lack of support for Linux.

So what is your favorite brand of PC for running Linux? Why? What makes this brand better for Linux users than other brands?

In your answer, please do not include those few companies that specialize in Linux systems like System76 as these are obviously totally Linux compatible.

Member Response
 

Hi,

I usually build my Desktops.

As to my laptops, I choose Dell refurbished units. Great buy and bang for your buck. I have a new XPS L702X with Optimus. No problem setting up Bumblebee with Slackware64 14.0. Nice display And easy on the eyes. :)

I can recommend refurbished Dell laptops but be sure to do your homework on the model number you select.

But WHY Dell?
I am not personally looking to buy a new machine, I also build my desktops but I use HP for my laptop.
This thread is simply a discussion topic, just because I am curious what other folks like/do not like AND why. So can you please provide more info on WHY you like Dell?

I've used Toshiba in the past with much success. The old one died and I've been without one for 2+ years now. My new Toshiba arrived in the mail last night. I'm very anxious to see how Linux will react when I try to install a distro. This laptop is a 2012 model with UEFI & windows 8 preinstalled hmmm bmmmm bmmmm, wish me luck!

GOOD LUCK! Remember to do a google search for installing Linux with UEFI! There have been alot of helpful articles on the topic lately!

I've never bought a desktop (been building them since high school), and I've only ever bought two laptops. First was an ASUS EEE PC 1000, second was a Lenovo T420S. Both took Linux (OpenSUSE) in stride with everything from graphics to wifi to audio working perfectly out of the box. I bought a Lenovo T420 for a project at work and set up OpenSUSE on it as well, worked just like the T420S did.

I try to stay away from Dell. All of the ones my boss, etc. buy tend to start failing after just a couple of years.

I would never buy a branded OEM PC. Every PC I buy is custom built, either by myself or by a local PC shop.

Really depends on what you want to do with the machine.

I have built and used branded machines with great success.

As for Dells, I still have a Optiplex GX 240 running asterisk. The machine before that one was a 510D (Dell white box).

Got two Dell Optiplex GX 270s running with Debian testing on one and Slack on the other.

Three laptops, one is a Compaq that is 10 years old (17 inch screen), a HP and a Dell which is a 610or 620 I think.

Do your research, pick a machine and check the specs online. Then go for it.

For a desktop I would agree. But I HAVE to have my laptop. My business REQUIRES me to have instant computer access at ALL times. Building your own laptop is not a feasible option.

Excellent advice to any one planning on a new pc purchase in the near future.

Ibm

why

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/c...n&en=utf&cc=us

I own 2 older IBm Desktops. A M57 and a M41. Laptops are A22M and T23. No breakdowns. Linux friendly hardware. Even

http://www-03.ibm.com/linux/

Member Response
 

Hi,

All my machines have Slackware installed. I do have a few Win/7 but those are for client support.

I've got a few HP/Compaq laptops that are still functional and used frequently. Even got a few IBM 760EL that are used for controllers. Plus IBM T41 & T42 awaiting some setup work to be used with other benches. Toshiba laptops have been modified to use with bench equipment.

As to my suggestion for Dell is that you can get a great value for the dollar spent. My first refurbished Dell laptop is a 1501 that is used for a bench system with Raspberry Pi educational development system that I have been working on.

I have only had one issue with a refurbished Dell laptop and that was a keyboard problem. Tech was sent to replace the keyboard, I could have replaced but to keep the unit under warranty a factory tech made the repair. Very professionally done!

My current refurbished Dell XPS702x was purchased to provide better feel & ergonomics for LQ and client activity. Unit has Optimus, Intel Core i7, 16GB memory, I added a 120GB SSD in second bay. Love this machine, easy on the eyes with the LED.
Tweaked font system for Slackware then setup Optimus. So Slackware looks and feels great on the Dell XPS702x while sitting on my Lazy-Boy with a laptop lap bench with quiet cooler. I do expect to get extended life with this unit long into the future. :)

So I am comfortable recommending and buying from Dell.

Hope this helps!

Laptop? Lenovo.

Although I do not personally like Dell, I see your points. Where do you typically buy your refurbed Dells? (for the benifit of others wanting to consider this option).

Member Response
 

Hi,

Links that were posted ealier for Dell link: refurbished units.

Sorry, missed those. Thanks!

The big companies that sell computers to business also support linux on many models. I tend to like the HP business systems that also offer a linux install option but that is just me.

I hate Dell since they owe me $60 and won't pay.

For me, generally I build my own desktops (or spec the parts myself and have a local shop do the assembly). For laptops, I've mostly switched to Macs (mostly due to job requirements of being able to run certain software), which still at least are Unix under the hood. For PC laptops, Dell ond Lenovos are the brands I've had the best luck running Linux on.

Personal and business virtually all the machines here are custom built. There are a few commercial units but not many. Of the manufactured ones, the machines that seem to work best are Lenovo/IBM and HP (Business class not consumer grade), some Dell (business class, not consumer grade).

My 3 current laptops all have Linux and they are an old 2003 model Acer Extensa, a Panasonic CF-29 Mk IV Toughbook, and my main machine (the one I am posting this on) is a Samsung. They all run Debian and Ubuntu, the toughbook even runs FreeDOS, no problem. You get the odd non-free firmware issue but it's not hard to fix it quickly. I know Debian and Ubuntu also run on ASUS and eMachine laptops no worries as we have some of them at home as well.

I've had good luck with my Dells.

The Broadcom thing is annoying, but generally I've found that Dells give me good value for my money.

For Dell xps13. I guess it is a custom Ubuntu 12.04LTS iso for the Sputnik dell project.

Grab it if ya want I guess if you have a Dell xps13. I don't know how long this may be available. I used onebucks link to just search around and I found this.

http://en.community.dell.com/techcen...r-edition.aspx

I'm lucky (so far), there's a small local shop/firm that put together desktops, some with no OS installed.