Convertible Linux Laptop

Tarrasque · 09-19-2012, 10:42 AM

Hello.

I'm looking for a convertible laptop capable of running linux seamlessly. I think the right word is "convertible". I mean a laptop able to flip it's screen so that it can be users tablet-style.

Before someone tells me to just buy a tablet these are my requirements.

1) I would use it commuting. Sometimes I'd want to just read or surf the web, so the tablet format would be the most convenient.

2) Sometimes I'd like to us it for some work. I'm a professional programmer, so an android tablet would not suffice, and definitely I want a keyboard.

3) I don't need the laptop to be a powerhouse. As long as I can run Eclipse or Netbeans and run a LAMP server, I'm ok.

4) I don't care much about weight. I expect the thing to be bulkier than tablets, It's a con I have factored into.

5) It should run ubuntu flawlessy. With that I mean that audio, display, wi-fi, touchscreen and bluetooth must run out of the box with an ubuntu installation and minimal hassle.

Does anybody have a model to point me to?

Thanks in advance.

TobiSGD · 09-19-2012, 11:16 AM

I would recommend to search on LinLap for a device that suits you.
For example, the Lenovo Thinkpad X230t seems to work well with Linux: http://www.linlap.com/wiki/lenovo+thinkpad+x230t

Tarrasque · 09-19-2012, 11:21 AM

Thanks for answering.

The problem with that site is that it seems that it's not getting many updates post 2010, and I can't find a filter for tablet convertibles, so I would have to read all entries...

TobiSGD · 09-19-2012, 12:01 PM

You are right, I have not looked at the dates.
I think the best approach to your problem would be to first look for a machine that fits your needs and the use a websearch to look for Linux compatibility of the device. Sadly there seems not to be any device that comes with Linux by default.

rokytnji · 09-19-2012, 02:00 PM

This search engine may make things easier for you maybe.

http://www.linuxidx.com/

I was looking into buying a Always Innovating Smart Book but they discontinued selling to private consumers or discontinued the product line or something. I just know I can't buy it from them now.

Edit:

Quote:

Since 2011, Always Innovating doesn't sell any more to individual consumers and has focused its activities on licensing business.

rokytnji · 09-19-2012, 02:37 PM

Maybe a Asus T-91 may fit your requirements also.

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2011422

http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/15/a...pc-t91-review/

If you can find one locally.

or a Asus T101

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16834230031

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2046799

Tarrasque · 09-20-2012, 03:09 AM

eeePC are nice machines.

I'm a bit afraid they don't have enough power for the kind of work I would do, though. Plus, for web designing, 10' seems a bit too small.

I'm trying to look around for 15' laptops in shops, but it seems that the tablet fad has killed convertible laptops outright and I can't find a shop selling them in order to ask them to run an ubuntu cd and see how they react...

mjolnir · 09-20-2012, 06:35 AM

http://forum.tabletpcreview.com/leno...tml#post280768

This person has a wubi install of 12.04 alongside Windows 8 CP on a X220t and says a lot of good things about it. Santa Claus, if your listening I want one BAD. I been a good boy. I swear!

JaseP · 09-20-2012, 01:42 PM

I have a Gigabyte M912-M and a Dell Inspiron Duo,... the nicer of the two is the Duo, but they're out of stock & Dell's got a replacement machine designed for Win8 slated for fall launch. Gigabyte has successor models as well. Avoid any machine with GMA500 or GMA600 Intel graphics (look at an Intel Atom processor chart).

Key sticking points for any of these machines are: The potential necessity for grub edits to get hardware to boot right,... Drivers for touchscreen (usually no multitouch), wifi & bluetooth... Support for accelerometers (usually none),... Suspend/Hybernate states and wake-up issues.

Do your homework first.

I briefly had a Lenovo S10-3t, until the cabling in the hinge failed,... RMA'd & I didn't bother to get another, that's when I went for the Duo... When the hardware worked the S10-3t was an excellent convertible. My understanding is that it will run 12.04 out of box with almost no tweaking required (except adding user "enhancements" to things like screen rotation). Single touch on the capacitive touch screen only, though (same as my Dell).

rossado · 08-01-2014, 01:11 PM

The Sony Ultra Tablet had a few features that Linux users might find helpful.

1)usb-on-the-go, allows you to plug in usb keyboard or mouse
2)has very good specs
3)can install the new mobile version of Ubuntu
4)better than Samsung (imo)
5)water resistant makes it great on the road, light, thin, big clear screen, long battery life

I've never had good luck with dell. Lenovo and Acer are OK. I default to Asus, which makes a tablet/laptop combo.