Buying

Lplater38 · 02-18-2017, 08:23 PM

Is there a site here where I can get a computer at a reasonable price loaded with linux Ubuntu 16.4

sundialsvcs · 02-18-2017, 08:57 PM

So far as I know, LQ deals not-at-all with hardware sourcing, purchasing, or recommendation. However, there are a'plenty of online sources that do represent custom-system configurators.

frankbell · 02-18-2017, 09:16 PM

In deference to sundialsvcs, I emphasize that the following is my personal opinion only.

It depends on what you mean by "reasonable price." The niche manufacturers who make native Linux computers generally use middle-grade to excellent hardware. You generally will not find equivalents to a low-end Windows computer, such a Dell Inspiron (Note: I have had several Inspirons and got my money's worth from every one. Referring to them as "low-end" is not a criticism, but rather a comment on the home-user market segment to which they are directed).

I have been quite happy with my computers from Zareason (I have a laptop and a desktop). Other US-based sellers are ThinkPenguin and System76. Zareason allows you to select your distro; System76 and Thinkpenguin are Ubuntu shops. I believe that they will ship internationally, at least to some countries. You can find out more at their websites.

Dell offers some machines with Ubuntu, but they rank among their more expensive machines.

I do not know about vendors outside the US.

rokytnji · 02-18-2017, 10:58 PM

Ebay is chock full of preloaded Linux installs, on used laptops and desktops.

But a reasonable price.

You will have to do a little tweaking probably/certainly.
It won't be like a pre-installed Windows or Mac box. That is for sure.
Mint linux and Ubuntu 16.04 is not much different from each other.

As always. Contact seller and ask questions before buying.

Edit. Bought this one used off of ebay for my wife with Windows 7 Enterprise on it. It has been working for years now. I changed hard drives out and installed Linux on it after I bought her a newer laptop.

Code:

$ inxi -b
System:    Host: biker Kernel: 4.8.1-antix.1-686-smp-pae i686 (32 bit) Desktop: IceWM 1.3.8
           Distro: antiX-15-V_386-full Killah P 30 June 2015
Machine:   Device: laptop System: Dell product: Latitude E4310 v: 0001
           Mobo: Dell model: 0T6M8G v: A01 BIOS: Dell v: A03 date: 07/08/2010
Battery    BAT0: charge: 44.0 Wh 108.9% condition: 40.4/44.0 Wh (92%)
CPU:       Dual core Intel Core i5 M 520 (-HT-MCP-) speed/max: 1333/2400 MHz
Graphics:  Card: Intel Core Processor Integrated Graphics Controller
           Display Server: X.Org 1.16.4 drivers: intel (unloaded: modesetting,fbdev,vesa)
           Resolution: 1366x768@60.00hz
           GLX Renderer: Mesa DRI Intel Ironlake Mobile x86/MMX/SSE2 GLX Version: 2.1 Mesa 10.3.2
Network:   Card-1: Intel 82577LM Gigabit Network Connection driver: e1000e
           Card-2: Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 driver: iwlwifi
Drives:    HDD Total Size: 60.0GB (44.6% used)
Info:      Processes: 188 Uptime: 2:09 Memory: 445.9/8021.7MB Client: Shell (bash) inxi: 2.3.8

beachboy2 · 02-19-2017, 05:00 AM

FYI the OP lives in Australia.

Lplater38,

If you are interested in a used one with Ubuntu 16.04 installed, there is an auction for this Dell Latitude E6320 with extras (no bids yet):
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ws/eBayIS...m=172539645680

The seller has 100% feedback.

Description
Dell Latitude E6320
Comes with Ubuntu 16.04 LTS Operating System (64 bit)
Intel Core i5 2540M @2.6 GHz
Graphics Intel Sandybridge Mobile
4 GB DDR3 SDRAM
250 GB Hard Disk Drive
DVD +/-RW
13.3” HD screen
In very good condition, there is a minor dent and some scratches as shown in the photo on the top cover and corner. I will provide a Carry Bag, Charger, docking station, car shaped wired mouse, and brand new Plantronics USB headset and Targus combination lock.

Alternatively, with 8 days remaining is this Toshiba L300 laptop using Linux Lite which is based on Ubuntu 16.04:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TOSHIBA-S...YAAOSwdGFYp--X

A new laptop in Australia with Linux pre-installed is going to be expensive (AU$800 plus)
https://www.linuxnow.com.au/nshpT3Z18PT.html

https://www.linuxnow.com.au/

https://www.linuxnow.com.au/nsintro.html

beachboy2 · 02-20-2017, 01:58 AM

Lplater38,

Of the two used laptops, the Dell E6320 has a far higher hardware specification.

There is probably next to no demand for Linux laptops on Oz ebay and this is why the Dell attracted no bids on an earlier listing.

It has just been relisted (ends 23 Feb, 2017 06:26:31 AEDST).

At $200 with Ubuntu 16.04 installed, it would appear to "tick all the boxes" for your requirements.

What are your thoughts?

cyfix · 02-20-2017, 02:23 AM

chromebooks are pretty cheap and you can load them up with linux.

Shadow_7 · 02-20-2017, 02:36 AM

Depends on what you call reasonable. Mint box mini pro is around $415 USD delivered to USA. But probably comes with linux mint. The azulle byte plus is $200-ish USD, but comes with windows 10. eBay is likely good for deals and pre-installed linux. But do you really want to trust something you didn't install yourself, especially on the used market? Lots of sub $100 sbc's that have ubuntu images. If you know how to flash an image onto a card (rufus under windows / dd under linux). And don't mind shopping lists, sbc, memory card(s), power adapter + usb cable, case, keyboard, mouse, display. A few kits like Kano that can take care of most of that for you. Depends on what you consider the minimum specs and the maximum costs.

rokytnji · 02-20-2017, 07:32 AM

Grinning .

Quote:

"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!"

Quote:

FYI the OP lives in Australia.

Thanks. Did not know that.

Quote:

chromebooks are pretty cheap and you can load them up with linux.

Not asked for. But nice try. Any Ubuntu 16 chromebooks for sale down under links?

I think China may be the ticket for Lplater38. For new gear.

https://liliputing.com/2017/02/hp-yu...dely-used.html

linky

for chinese ubuntu laptops from alibaba

jefro · 02-20-2017, 03:14 PM

Why do you wish to have it pre-installed?

Ubuntu has a very large hardware support. Almost any modern common computer (not atom) is a good choice for you to install it on. Ubuntu is one of the most simple distro's to use and easy to install.

beachboy2 · 02-20-2017, 04:00 PM

jefro,

If you read some of the OP's earlier threads you will find the answer.

Lplater38 · 02-20-2017, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachboy2

Lplater38,

Of the two used laptops, the Dell E6320 has a far higher hardware specification.

There is probably next to no demand for Linux laptops on Oz ebay and this is why the Dell attracted no bids on an earlier listing.

It has just been relisted (ends 23 Feb, 2017 06:26:31 AEDST).

At $200 with Ubuntu 16.04 installed, it would appear to "tick all the boxes" for your requirements.

What are your thoughts?

Yes,looks like a good buy but I want a desktop computer for no reason other than I want a desktop computer for screen and keyboard size.

Lplater38 · 02-20-2017, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jefro

Why do you wish to have it pre-installed?

Ubuntu has a very large hardware support. Almost any modern common computer (not atom) is a good choice for you to install it on. Ubuntu is one of the most simple distro's to use and easy to install.

I have never tried to do an install.

Your comment on poor drivers is so serious that the ones that do use the phones whilst driving should be charged for attempted murder.

Sorry for the off topic comment.

jefro · 02-20-2017, 05:32 PM

I think that it is a fairly easy task to install ubuntu on a common computer. If you are able to use any operating system then you should be able to install it even if you need to ask for a bit of help.

My signature line is just random comments. They aren't meant to be directed at posts.