Integrated Intel graphics & LCD glossy screen
 

Hi. I have 2 questions.

This 1st question is hardware related, but it is also laptop related. I assume it doesn't matter which of the 2 (hardware or laptop) forums I use, so I just picked this hardware forum.

I am thinking about buying a Dell laptop for my mom. Since her needs are basic (i.e., no video games, etc) I see no need to buy a graphics card for the laptop.

I noticed instead of a graphics card I can get something called: "Integrated Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950" (Inspiron E1705 model) or "Integrated Intel® Media Accelerator 900 Graphics" (Inspiron B130 model).

I don't know which of the 2 laptop models (E1705 vs B130) I will get, but they both have the "Integrated Intel" graphics option if I do not want an nVidia or ATI card.

My 1st question: Would either of those "Integrated Intel" graphics options work well (and easily) with Linux, or would I have to get an nVidia or ATI card?

Also, I noticed some Dell laptops (e.g., the E1705) have a "glossy" (UXGA) finish option for their LCD screens. I know this is not necessarily a "Linux" question, but I do not know where else to go for an unbiased answer.

My 2nd question: Has anyone here had any viewing trouble due to a glossy LCD finish?

Thanks!

I've got a Latitude D810, D410, C400 and a XPS
D410 and C400 are working perfect with Intel Graphics and the others are perfect with widescreen. So... I just recommend that you should use a redhat based system.

Is there any particular reason. . .
 

Is there any particular reason you suggest a redhat based system? I have actually heard several others make similar recommendations. Why is that?

I've just can recommend what I use. And Suse or Debian are also great but I don't want them on my DELL Systems. Btw I spend some time at dell. and even if Dell is currently offering some kind of support for Novell Suse still the Redhat Process is more in the background. And all those Intel stuff and the parts that are used within Dell Products are those that you'll often easy get working with Linux.

Do I understand correctly
 

Do I understand correctly: Intel works well with Linux. . .better than AMD, or did I misinterpret your statement?

You said you spent some time at Dell. Do you know if Dell, directly or indirectly, has any Linux support? For example, I found this just yesterday: http://linux.dell.com/

Thanks!

No they only offer support for enterprise products, storage systems, nas, poweredge and so on. Some Workstations are supported but only limited. Dell is one on one with intel and linux works great with intel that is my experience. Dell Systems are always a good option for Linux.
But things like linux.dell.com and so on has got the most background with Redhat.
They also have got a yum repo.
Dell Forum has got a huge amount of good answers to all kind of queries regarding Dell Systems and Linux.