Pick out a Notebook/Laptop FOR Linux
 

:scratch:

I've been scouring the net for days. I'm looking for a new notebook. I want some very simple things.

1) I want an AMD32 system
2) I need a nVIDIA chip with dedicated memory
3) I need a modem that ACTUALLY WORKS with OSS/Linux
4) I need to do it for under $1000. . . preferably ~$6-700.

Pretty short list. I found TWO HP/Compaq models (two under each brand, but HP and Compaq are identical now. . . ) that do this. They're both disco'd. The new models are EXACTLY the same, but use ATI Vid, and one of them is shared memory.

Support your OSS driver vendors with your wallet and buy nVIDIA. 'Cept that nVIDIA seems to have upset every notebook manufacturer on the PLANET.

Alas, now the only ones I can find that are close either are missing something important, and/or cost over $2k. I want AMD32 'cause x86_64 seems to be missing a few important things, WinXP64 is seriously lacking (ugh. . . but I gotta have it on the notebook) and I can't justify buying AMD64 for the notebook. Have it on my desktop, love it, but the notebook needs to focus on compatibility.

Does ANYONE have any suggestions on getting ahold of the above on a NEW notebook. I don't mind a discontinued one, I just don't want to buy used/refurbished. Well, refurb maybe. I want the processor to run in the 2800-3200+ range, and 512 or ram, or the ability to add without throwing out what comes with it.

If this post seems kinda like a rant. . . well, it kinda is. I have been pouring through hundreds of lists of reviews, and have found a LOT of reviews of ancient hardware. What I can find on new hardware has ATI chips, and the modem is untested. . . . yes, I have broadband at home, but really need Internet when I travel, and some small towns just don't provide free WiFi, but do have a phone line.

On that note, a Prism chipset on the wireless card would be nice, but NdisWrapper seems to work for Broadcom, and I'm not gonna hold the line on that.

Any advice would be very appreciated, I'm starting to get very frustrated here. Many thankyous go to anyone with suggestions

Thanks,

Tim

I have a Compaq R3000 and I would not recommend it. The cardbus is not linux compatible, so if you plan to use pcmcia cards you'd be out of luck.

Actually, I believe that there are some reviews at http://www.linux-on-laptops.com/compaq.html that have instructions for a workaround for that. Also keep in mind that the HP zv5000 is internally identical to the r3k. The same workarounds and install tricks work for both machines.

Unfortunatley, the r3000 is not in production anymore. The r4k has replaced it, and uses an ATI chipset. No info on wether the modem works :-/

Tim

The workarounds did not work. I've seen them.

Anyone?

Well I use an HP ZV5323 EA, at least that's the model number on the sticker.

Athlon XP 3000
512MB Memory
40 Gig HD
Nvidia GO 420 32M Graphics
Internal Softmodem, uses slmodem in alsa mode with snd_intel8x0m module
snd_intel8x0 module for sound
Button to turn the touchpad on and off (extremely handy!!)
Widescreen display
No built-in wireless

Only problems, requires a setpci command to get the pcmcia bus recognised but works as I am using Netgear pcmcia Wireless card at the
moment.

When I used dial-up a while ago dial-up worked no problem.

Bought new for about a 1000 Euro when I was living in Ireland about 10 months ago, so obviously cheaper now.

I too wanted an AMD/nVidia setup, and I couldn't find one anywhere. Ended up with an Acer Aspire 3002LCi, which is a sempron 3000 chip and some generic (I think) onboard video card.

It runs MEPIS well, and I got the Broadcom wireless going. Its been for sale for about $550-650 a bunch lately. I am happy with it! (I'll have it in the HCL soon)

Well, for better or worse, I purchased a Compaq R3000 series on eBay the other day. After it gets here, I'll post the exact specs, do a reveiw, and submit an HCL article. The Compaq r3k series are the same hardware as the HP ZV5000 series mentioned below.

Updates comng soon. . .