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