Linux - Laptop and NetbookHaving a problem installing or configuring Linux on your laptop? Need help running Linux on your netbook? This forum is for you. This forum is for any topics relating to Linux and either traditional laptops or netbooks (such as the Asus EEE PC, Everex CloudBook or MSI Wind).
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My faithful old Fujitsu-Siemens lappie is getting a little tired, plus I blew up its sound chip the other day, so I am thinking about replacing it with a new notebook. A few questions:
1. does one still need to worry about hardware compatibility with Linux in this day and age?
2. Is there any revolutionary "must have" feature that no new notebook should be without?
Yes, you still should check for linux support for the critical chips on a new laptop, and wi-fi and a webcam can still be a problem.
In addition, some laptops have Windows installations employing all of the four permitted DOS HDD partitions, requiring some care in choosing how and which one may be removed to allow for a linux installation.
Moreover, some laptops may use the Windows equivalent of an extended partition containing logical partitions. These Dynamic Disks cannot be converted to ordinary partitions without loosing the data, presenting problems when one of the logical partitions involved contains that Windows 7 OS you still need.
Some Laptop makers allow the making of backup disks that permit a re-installation of Windows with a different partitioning scheme, at least I believe that HP does.
To avoid any unpleasant suprise, if you can before you buy, you might open the Windows Disk Managment tool to look at the exiting partitioning scheme. Otherwise, as always and as you well know, look at the manufacturer's specification and support sites and google for a laptop's make and model and installing/partitioning linux.
I dare not recommend a brand; all are dependent on specialist manufacturers and supply chains with many variables, and one batch of bad components is enough to remake last months beauty into next months beast.
Last edited by thorkelljarl; 10-16-2010 at 12:27 PM.
Some Laptop makers allow the making of backup disks that permit a re-installation of Windows with a different partitioning scheme, at least I believe that HP does.
It would be ideal if all these computers came with NO operating system at all. Those wanting Windows could then buy themselves a Windows disk and install it themselves just like in the 'old days'. Those wanting another OS could make their own arrangements. Selling computers with a proprietory OS pre-installed smacks of anti-trust/anti-competetiveness to me. I'll wager it's only barely legal if at all.
I didn't have to worry about any of this when I bought my last desktop. It had Windows Vista preinstalled which I promptly wiped without a second thought and replaced with Fedora. It was a decision I have never regretted.
Some nice features: some laptops now have USB 3.0; eSATA port for external drive; HDMI out if you want to connect it to your big screen tv; backlit keyboard on some;
Re: compatibility - I have no problem with nvidia gfx, intel wireless.
I really like Lenovo and HP (business class) also Dell (latitude or M workstation) - in that order - as they can handle day to day 'abuse' with ease. With Lenovo wait for a sale like employee pricing to get a T-series, W510 or X-series.
Sony is another good brand but over-priced like Apple.
Sony is another good brand but over-priced like Apple.
Thanks for the suggestions. Agree with you on the overpricing of Sony and Apple brands. Sony is on my personal boycott list anyway. They have pissed me off too many times over the years mostly over licencing issues. Last straw was them blocking music content on Youtube. I have no beef with them over them exercising their legal IP rights, but there is never any forewarning. You click on a link, wait the inevitable few seconds for the server to get its act together, then you get a "Sony Music Entertainment has blocked this content in your country" message. I wouldn't mind so much if the link pre-warned me I was about to waste another 5 seconds of my life thanks to Sony, but there's nothing to indicate you're attempting to click on protected content. Plus when you factor in how they blocked their Playstations from running Linux (for what???) then you get a company you really don't want to be bothering with any more, IMHO at least. I recall George Michael said they were a bunch of shysters some 20 years ago and said he'd never record again if they wouldn't release him from his contract. Later still there was some ohter issue with Sony spyware embedded in, ugh, I can't recall what now. But anyway, no thanks, Sony. This time I am banning YOU!
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