Hi everyone, i never used Linux but i want to now

I want to put it on a new laptop

I want a laptop small, light, portable but high powered with a USB port, no mac.

Long battery life

I want to be able to upload and email pics and video.

Can I get a laptop with these features and run it on Linux?

Also need to write on something like Microsoft word and use something like excel.

Does anyone know what new brands / models you can run on Linux? That could do these things?

And what software you can get?

Many many thanks
Babydoll

if you enter "linux laptop" in search engine, this is what comes out first:http://www.linux-laptop.net/

Here is a site that sell computers with linux already on them https://www.system76.com/laptops/model/daru4

Dell was also making a laptop with Linux here is the link
http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/xps-13-linux/pd.aspx

And pretty much any latop sold with W7, Vista, XP can run Linux just fine. It was W8 laptop the one that where made so they couldnt boot any Linux distribution, so to avoid headaches dont buy a laptop currently with Windows 8.

ASUS, Lenovo, Toshiba. Are brands that support Linux pretty well if you find an Ultrabook of these brands running Windows 7 chances are it will run Ubuntu or Linux Mint perfectly.

It doesnt hurt to look but if you find one with Intel technology will probably be better, Broadcom wireless dont play too good with Linux so keep that in mind.

Good luck to you

Thanks torn and you i really appreciate that. You are very kind to help newbies like me xxx

Sorry that should read thank you Tron and Yooy not what my ipad invented for you

As long as it has Win 7 or earlier, Intel graphics, and Intel wireless, you should have absolutely no problems. If you deviate from this you may or may not run into issues, usually correctable, but they can be a pain nonetheless.

most distros have openoffice / libreoffice installed by default.

i run fedora-19 live-usb on an hp elitebook 8460p and it runs well.

a friend of mine bought a win-8 laptop from hp and he hated it... the customer representitive transferred him to the business site and he ordered the same laptop with ubuntu pre-installed on it and he loves it.

Hello I checked out the links

$1600 gets you a dell with Ubuntu that looks nice

What is Ubuntu?

Will it be safe from viruses/spies? That's why I want Linux...

I read the cnet review which panned the dell xps 13 for no touchscreen but i reckon that is good as it means you can have Linux.

What do you think?


System configurations

Dell XPS 13
Windows 8 (64-bit); 1.9GHz Intel Core i7; 8GB DDR3 SDRAM 1,600MHz; 32MB (Sharedl) Intel HD 4000; 256GB Samsung SSD

Ubuntu is a Linux base Operating System designed to be user friendly (supposedly)
Check their site http://www.ubuntu.com/desktop

It already contain all the tools you need for productivity and entertaining, movies, music,etc.

I think the dell is great but the sytem76 Darter UltraThin has good specs at a lower price although a little bit heavier than the Dell.

The Dell XPS is really thin and really light weigh. That will be a matter of preference and what you really like.

Good luck to you

If the OP is planning on wiping Windows, and not dual booting, wouldn't that negate any concerns about WinD'ohs8 interference?

To the OP: Stay away from Ubuntu. It USED to be good....I used to use it myself- but the current incarnation of it has become a lot like Windows- i.e. bloated; crash-prone and slow- and it contains tons of spyware! I don't know about you, but for me, those were the very reasons I dumped WinD'ohs.....so I see no point to having a Linux distro which duplicates those very things, eh?

Also, bear in mind, that many of the lighter Linux distros, like Crunchbang, will make even an old computer work as good as a new one, and are more than capable of doing all the things you mentioned with ease- so remember, that you don't need the latest/greatest laptop. If you're so inclined, an older used laptop would work fine for your needs.

And....welcome to the world of Linux! I've been using Linux for 3 years now, and am WinD'ohs-free.....and I have tyo say that switching to Linux was one of the best decisions I ever made! It takes all the frustration out of computing, and gives you control, while unleashing the power of your computer; and allows you to maintain your privacy [Well...not if you go with Ubuntu...]. You're about to embark on a fantastic voyage! Enjoy!

And the beauty is: Since Linux is free...you can download and experiment with many different distros, till you find the one that is perfect for YOU!! There are also many reviews of tons of distros on Youtube...

Unfortunately, no

The problem is UEFI/secure boot:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unified...#Secure_boot_2

1 members found this post helpful.

Unbelievable! Just when one thinks that Microsh^t can't sink any lower..... Thanks for the info/link.

One thing to look out for and avoid is the use of the Nvidia Optimus graphics system which is not properly supported in Linux (Nvidia's fault, not Linux's): it uses up the battery charge.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nvidia_Optimus

Another vendor of Linux computers is Zareason; unlike System 76, they allow you to choose your distro within limits.

I just got one of their tablets and the workmanship seems solid. I haven't gotten a laptop or desktop from them--yet.

Thanks everyone!!

You have all been very lovely

I like that dell and i will pay the $1500 and not care. I just like it.

But will i have problems with the secure boot? Win 8? Getting rid of it?

Also what software would anyone recommend that could video edit or accept footage from a go pro?

Many many thanks xxx
Baby Doll