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Old 05-29-2016, 04:23 PM   #1
seamusp
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I would like to buy a cheap Windows laptop to install Linux on, What brands will work well with Linux?


I would like to install Linux on a cheap laptop. Most cheap laptops are running windows, have 4 gig of memory and a 500 gig hard drive. Which brands work well with linux?
 
Old 05-29-2016, 05:05 PM   #2
mazinoz
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Hewlet Packard have supported linux for decades. Compaq is also now owned by HP, so may also work.


But first you may like to consider what you want to use the laptop to do.

There is a hardware compatibility list HCL on this site. But given the vast number of configurations possible in laptops, ignorance of your needs, it is impossible to offer specific guidelines.
 
Old 05-29-2016, 05:12 PM   #3
seamusp
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Thanks, I'd like to use it to A) become familiar with Linux how to install software etc. B) Learn Python or Go to program access to a simple database, and C) set up and install a database. I have some experience with doing stuff like this in other environments, but would like to do the Linux thing...
 
Old 05-29-2016, 05:22 PM   #4
rokytnji
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Code:
$ inxi -M
Machine:   System: Dell (portable) product: Latitude XT2
           Mobo: Dell model: 0HJ48R Bios: Dell v: A01 date: 05/07/2009
Battery    BAT0: charge: 38.0 Wh 167.9% condition: 22.6/38.0 Wh (60%)
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-...e.23746.0.html

Even the touchscreen is picked up by the kernel.
 
Old 05-29-2016, 05:29 PM   #5
mazinoz
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Then make a list of hardware required to run all these programs and compare to laptops. Alternatively boot from a live dvd and test things out or install linux on the same drive as windows, but backup your windows drive completely first!

I'm still able to use a 10 yr old scanner in linux, but not in windows. Linux tends to support older hardware more than windows generally. But a lot depends on the manufacturer / linux coders for support of a device drivers.☺
 
Old 05-29-2016, 06:15 PM   #6
beachboy2
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seamusp,

Welcome to LQ.

If rokytnji recommends the Dell Latitude XT2 for your requirements, then do give it due consideration.

Scout around and see what is available:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from...e+XT2&_sacat=0
 
Old 05-29-2016, 06:18 PM   #7
szboardstretcher
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Many Chromebooks are cheap, have very nice hardware and great screens, and are supported by some distributions. Research into price and compatibility by model number is suggested. And my current Arch laptop, with all hardware working is:

Code:
[root@ArchTerminal ~]# inxi -M
Machine:   System: Dell (portable) product: Vostro V130 v: A01
           Mobo: Dell model: 0KHTJH v: A01 Bios: Dell v: A01 date: 10/15/2010

Last edited by szboardstretcher; 05-29-2016 at 06:21 PM.
 
Old 05-29-2016, 07:14 PM   #8
frankbell
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I've had good luck with Dells. The ones I've had have been equipped with Broadcom wireless, which usually requires a couple of extra steps to get working, but you can get it working.

I had an Acer that worked very nicely also. I think it might have also had Broadcom.

"Intel inside" is a good indication that a machine will work nicely with Linux.
 
Old 05-29-2016, 09:20 PM   #9
rokytnji
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Quote:
The ones I've had have been equipped with Broadcom wireless,

That was why I mentioned the XT2 instead of Dell Intel 5500 dual core I also have. The 5500 is broadcom but this XT2 has a

Code:
$ inxi -N
Network:   Card-1: Intel 82567LM Gigabit Network Connection driver: e1000e
           Card-2: Intel WiFi Link 5100 driver: iwlwifi
The 5500 is a fine laptop and cheap to get also. It has a bigger screen than the XT2. But it is not a touchscreen <some think as a feature> like the XT2.

I guess a IBM T400 is pretty cheap and a Tiger Tank type of Linux Friendly laptop also.

Since the cheap is perspective/subjective and I do not know what this user is willing to spend. I am trying to recommend low budget gear that gives good bang for the buck.

Last edited by rokytnji; 05-29-2016 at 09:23 PM.
 
Old 05-29-2016, 11:09 PM   #10
Shadow_7
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I've had good luck with the hp stream 11. Only 2GB ram though. And the wifi needs firmware that doesn't yet come with most distros to be reliable. And a newer kernel or kernel module compiled from source for the wifi to be reliable, although it does work out of the box on many distros for a short while (2 or less hours). Otherwise pretty awesome for $200 or less. HDMI out which seems missing from most sub $500 laptops and 1x usb 3 and 1x usb 2 port. Silent and low heat output which is what I love most. I can close the door to my room and not feel like I'm in a sauna in < 5 minutes like other computing options.
 
Old 05-29-2016, 11:53 PM   #11
Timothy Miller
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I've used the HP Streams (11 & 13) that were mentioned, and they work beautifully if you don't mind getting the broadcom wireless working. I have a Dell Latitiude E7440 I'm on right now that works 100% without issues, and intel 802.11AC so that it's easily supported. Other recent laptops that I've used linux on without any issues are Dell Latitude E5450, Latitude E5430, Latitude E6420, HP Elitebook 8460P & Elitebook 8470P, Toshiba Chromebook 2 CB35-B3330 & CB35-B3340 (although does require 4.1+ kernel for touchpad to work without a lot of annoyance). My newest, the HP Elitebook Folio 1020 G1 works for the most part, although the touchpad is a total PITA.
 
Old 05-30-2016, 08:14 AM   #12
RockDoctor
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Another vote for the HP Stream. You won't get a 500 GB HDD, but you won't pay big $ either. My Stream has the Realtek wifi adapter - I installed Ubuntu Mate 16.04, and everything just works.
 
Old 05-30-2016, 08:20 AM   #13
mazinoz
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I had a Dell D505 laptop and had no dramas with it when using different versions and flavours of linux also. Another point you may like to consider is if you can add more RAM.
 
Old 05-30-2016, 02:12 PM   #14
jmgibson1981
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Also have great experience with Dells, albeit the 7260 intel wireless card was bad when I got it. Replaced with 6235 and it's been running strong for a few years now, never a problem with linux and the hardware that I've noticed. I will be sticking with Dell for the foreseeable future based on my experiences with my current laptop I can say that much.
 
Old 05-30-2016, 02:54 PM   #15
beachboy2
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jmgibson1981,

Of the ones you have used, which Dell models in particular can you recommend?

Which of them had good wifi reception as standard?
 
  


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