I have heard lots about Linux but up until a few weeks ago I wasn't quite sure if I wanted to wipe my computer to start, so instead I'm going to buy a laptop and load it on there. Anyways my question is what specs should I get to make this happen, I don't intend to do much else with this laptop, maybe a little bit of gaming along with the program.

Thanks in advance for any help
Kevin

Hello,

Linux has a wide variety of distributions available for all kinds of hardware. If you're buying a new laptop then you have no limitations whatsoever on the choice of distribution. I'd go at it the other way around. See what the specifications are on the laptop you want to buy and check the Hardware Compatibility List here at LQ to see what other users have to say about it before in fact buying it. Most hardware is pretty well supported by Linux.

Kind regards,

Eric

Well, one thing that you can try is a live CD (or better, DVD). You don't have to install, and you can get a bit of a feel for what that system is likely to be about when you do install it. It'll obviously be a bit slower, what with running on a DVD, but you also get to find out whether all the peripherals are working and most of the bigger distributions have some kind of Live CD available.

Just do be aware that Linux probably isn't the first choice for gaming. There is better availability of games for Windows, particularly the 'all-action, first-person-shooter' type games. Some people dual boot to get around this, although it may not be so much of a factor if it isn't the latest fps games that you are targeting.

Thank you for the help. I ended up buying a refurbished laptop that I can mess around with, and take to work for the long nights. As for the gaming it will only be emulators, and older games that I enjoyed playing as a kid.

You'll need either Wine (for newer games) or Dosbox for old DOS games.
http://www.winehq.org/
http://www.dosbox.com/

I'm sure both of them will be available from your distro package manager.