where can i custom build a laptop?
 

I am looking for a online site where i can custom make a laptop to include no OS so that I can install linux on it. I dont want to spend a lot of money so dell is out of the question and hp makes you inlcude windows

Cyberpower
Power Notebooks
RK Computers


I suggest either MSI or Asus notebooks. Make sure the model that you pick does not have Marvell/Yukon NIC. Stick with Intel or Atheros based Wi-Fi. Select nVidia graphics instead on-board graphics from Intel or ATI. Setting up ATI graphics can be hard.

http://www.btotech.com/
Build your own lappy. Get the barebones and wireless there, then hit Newegg.com for the memory, hard drive, optical drive, ebay the CPU, and save your self some change in the process.

i was hoping custom building would be cheaper than a cheap prebuilt laptop. so i guess basically i can either get the eeepc or a cheap laptop for 400/500 . THe screensize is mostly what worries me, so would I be better off getting a regualar cheap laptop and throwing linux on it? I mostly just need it for school, and I will custom build a desktop which is what i wanted to do to begin with

I would just go to your local Best Buy, Circuit City or Super Wal-Mart. You can usually find open box laptops for the price you're looking to spend.

I wouldn't go with one of the OLPC laptops. For a few bucks more, you can get a computer with twice the the processing power, twice the hard drive space and an optical drive. Yeah, you get one for a kid in a third world country and a tax write-off, but that just isn't as fulfilling as encoding a video twice or three times as fast as an OLPC. Hopefully that doesn't come off as too much of an a**hole comment.

Regards,

Brandon

He was talking about the EeePC from Asus, not the OLPC project, totally different products.

I'm just grouping them. I know they're not the same thing. I was just making the point that for a few bucks more he can get much better performance.

Regards,

Brandon

Unless he is looking for a reasonably priced ultra-portable.

You're really just grasping at straws here. Sorry if I insulted you in some way, shape or form.

He never stated he was looking for an ultra portable. He just asked us for our opinions. I provided mine. Now, why don't you be of some help and give him yours instead of critiquing my posts?

Regards,

Brandon

im not neccesarily worried about a powerful system. i basically need one for notes and just basically webbrowsing when im too lazy for notes. However, by not powerful I dont mean i want it to take 8 years to open a document or load programs. and one that wont be a burden to carry around to classes. as far as a screen i just dont want to be squinting my eyes to try and read them later.

and as far as price goes, i want to keep it as low as possible so i can save and build a desktop that will do everything else i want, gaming etc.

I was critiquing your post in a helpful way to him, pointing out that power isn't everything, I have a 6 year old Thinkpad that is less powerful than the EeePC and running Linux it is more than capable of doing the stuff he wants as long as you choose the software wisely.

Don't write off the EeePC as being underpowered, you really don't have much reason to do anything heavy on a laptop if you have a powerful desktop. Video editing, gaming and compiling are jobs for a desktop, taking notes in class and browsing the internet portably are jobs for a laptop. The EeePC can actually feel more responsive than a normal laptop because of its flash based drive.

The only thing I don't know about on the EeePC is the screen size, some find it adequate, some don't. Look at one in person if you can.

If you want something full sized, look at Acer. I've got a 3680 with a Celeron M 1.6ghz, 512mb RAM, 80gb HD, 14.1" widescreen (1280x800) and all of the usual laptop goodies. It runs great with Linux and isn't too terrible to lug around. I paid $300 for an open box display model at RadioShack.

Go on Ebay and find a Compaq 2175, and get some used ddr-2100 ram. I scored a broken Compaq 2175US with a bag for $100, replaced the hard drive with 7200rpm 100gig version for $85, maxed the ram out for $50, and bought a Logitech VX Rev. notebook mouse with my miniscule xmas bonus, and got a nice 2gig Corsair USB drive for $15. I had dl'd a service manual from HP/Compaq. I have all the 3D eye candy enabled on Mint(was much easier than trying to install the drivers for my 8800gt on my game rig).

But if you want to game on it, your going to need more power, which will not come cheap. I'm just trying to help, good luck on your search. You may have some luck on craigslist, or other classified ads.
Regards