Hello all,
I have been using Ubuntu for few years now. But other than for basic terminal commands, I didn't have any time to delve into many specific things. So you can call me a nubie.

I am planning to buy a new laptop (preferably a Core i7) and I want to install Linux on it. I've done a fair bit of research on it. But I want your opinion too. Basically these are the characteristics I'm looking for:

1) The OS should integrate with the hardware very well without any driver problems etc. (obviously)
2) The OS GUI should look good.
3) The OS should easily work with external devices such as projectors.

What are the OS/laptop type combinations you suggest with your experience? (An OS alone/ laptop alone is also fine!)

May help

Link

You didn't mention your budget?

If I had the $$$, I'd be all over the "Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition" with Ubuntu Linux preinstalled!! (This is the personal laptop used by Linus Torvalds, inventor of Linux!)

You might also find this list helpful: https://certification.ubuntu.com/desktop/

ppgoodman,

Two links for the Dell XPS 13 Developer Edition, which is probably overkill unless you have money to burn:
https://insights.ubuntu.com/2016/10/...united-states/

http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/de...loper-hands-on

As asked above, what is your budget?

Do you really need an Intel i7 CPU?

Check out performance benchmarks for a given CPU here:

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?...0U+%40+2.30GHz

https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php...HQ+%40+2.60GHz

In the UK, this reasonably priced HP laptop uses Intel hardware and is Linux-friendly:

http://www.ebuyer.com/749792-hp-250-...FdU_GwodMc0K1A

In my experience you do not need to have a laptop with a superfast CPU and large memory in order to have speedy performance using a Linux OS.

As well as using the Ubuntu Certification link on the above post, also make sure you use Google to search for potential hardware problems (especially wifi): e.g. “Dell XYZ-123 ubuntu”.

All of my experience is with older/slower laptops and very current server class hardware. I am currently using three different laptops in three different environments: running Sparky Linux on one, Linux MINT (Mate) on a second, and Windows 10 multiboot with MINT (Cinnamon) on the third. No problems with hardware any any of them.

I also use VSIDO, but I would not recommend that to anyone not VERY comfortable with Linux problem solving. I have had some of the cutting-edge distros disable Xwindows or boot 'funny' after an upgrade.

BTW: standard test results notwithstanding, I have had better overall performance from the hottest AMD CPU than anything Intel. There are other things that may matter more (speed of memory, SSD over rotational drive, etc) but this may be something to keep in mind.

Hi....

Another option here is to purchase a laptop with Linux preinstalled. If you're in the United States, here are a few companies that sell such laptops...

http://zareason.com/shop/home.php

https://system76.com/

http://www.emperorlinux.com/

https://puri.sm/

If you're in Europe, please see here...

https://www.entroware.com/store/

https://www.linux-onlineshop.de/index.php

Regards...

2 members found this post helpful.

Thanks for the suggestion. I already considered this option in my research. ( I'm sorry I should have mentioned these in my question) . I currently have a Dell Inspiron with Ubuntu 14.04 installed and it has problems with projectors. Is Ubuntu my best option ?

I don't personally use/endorse Ubuntu, but you mentioned in your first post that you have a couple of years experience with it.

I have a Zareason Strata that I'm very happy with. (I also have a Limbo ditto.)

Unlike most native-Linux computer suppliers, Zareason lets you pick your distro. Also, as a company, they are very easy to deal with. I expect my next computer purchase to be a Zareason also.

1 members found this post helpful.

Here's just my 2cents...

I've been using Lenovo Thinkpad laptops for many years now, I think it is one of the most reliable and Linux friendly models, most distro works with it out of the box without too much of trouble, the only problem is it is quite heavy especially those with DVD build in, and I need DVD for my daily work, external DVD isn't reliable and take up precious USB ports. But in fact, the build quality of Thinkpad has dropped over the years, and the keyboard once Thinkpad famous in has been replaced with so called 'island-sytle' chiclet keyboard that put many people off ! One of the reasons people enjoy using Thinkpad was their keyboard, the old keyboard just like a mold to your fingers prefect fit for long time effortless typing, where the new type is so painful and tired to use I always get typo using it ! beside that, the button-less touchpad also painful to use, I don't believe those people using ultrabook or Mac (sorry Steve !) really enjoy their keyboard and touchpad, or they never type more than reply to forum !

Due to the above reason I am looking for a change, may be Fujitsu E series or Dell Latitude, those are business grade models comparable with Thinkpad, but I've never handled one so I need some advice too !

What exactly is the problem you have experienced with Ubuntu and projectors?

Ask 10 different people on here and you will be recommended 10 different distros.

Have a look at Distrowatch:
http://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=popularity

My current preference is for Linux Mint MATE 18 64 bit which is based on Ubuntu 16.04, but looks "old school".

See attached screenshot.

Attached Thumbnails

 

Thanks. I wanted an i7 because it's powerful. But after your comment I'm rethinking my decision.

Ever since I upgraded to Ubuntu 14.04 from Ubuntu 12.04, I cannot login once I connected my laptop to the projector. I've got an Nvidia GPU with Optimus capability. But I NEVER installed the proprietary drivers.

Yes. Unfortunately I'm surrounded with Ubuntu haters.

This seems a very useful link. I'll keep an eye on this. Thank you.

Looks interesting. Will take a look at it too. Thanks.

Hi Linux newbie
I have a Lenovo Ideapad with an AMD A8-6410 Apu and I would like to know
which of the many Linux distros will run comfortably on it.
The laptop has 8gb DDR3 1600 ram and a 1TB WD Blue HDD.
Thanks.

Depending on the system and disk partition settings, nearly all of them will run on that. It is serious overkill for most of them. Would you be wanting to preserve whatever OS it came installed with as delivered?
(That may add some kinks to the process!)