looking for advice for a good 17.3 laptop
 

Hi all,
Newbie here. But using Kubuntu 15.10 for last 3 months without any issues on my Dell Inspiron 3737 17.3inch laptop. Unfortunately the machine fell from table and LCD got broken. Now, I have two options - replace LCD or to buy a new laptop.

I need your advice on proper selection of 17.3 laptop. My issues/variables:
1. I do not play games, no extensive graphics. So do not want nVidia on my machine. In the past I had enough bad experiences with such machines. Heating, freezing, linux will have problems in starting up and what not.

2. should be customizable like I want to go up to 16gb ram [so that I can virtual machines] and also add my hdds from my current machine.

Looking at Asus, dell, Toshiba and Lenovo. Not sure about specific problems; other than I know.

I like MSI GS70 since it is light weight, but it has nVidia and EUFI and what not; installing linux may be time consuming. I normally use 'systemback' to install. Just few clicks and that is it.

Any ideas? feel free to throw missile, bear with the newbie
David

Sorry, can't recommend a specific model, but since no one else seems to fire at you, here are my two cents:

- If high performance graphics is not important for you, definitely go for an intel graphics chip. Typically, this is by far the most trouble-free option
- Research the wifi chipset for any model you consider - this is often the part that gives you trouble
- Make sure you can disable secureboot
- Ideally, buy one that supports legacy bios mode (as opposed to EFI). That might spare you some headaches during installation, although modern distros typically support EFI reasonably well by now
- Lenovo tended to have the best cost / performance relationship in my last searches.
- As far as your RAM / customization requirements go... Are you sure you actually want a Laptop? Consider buying a regular pc and a netbook for the road... Plenty good tools out there for Linux to sync data between the two...

No external monitor port? That seems 'odd' these days.

fwiw, replacing an lcd screen is doable.
it requires small screwdrivers and the ability to use them.

the lcd screens are sold seperately, maybe even used?

i was once lucky enough to replace an lcd screen by taking an identical one from an unused laptop.

incidentally, the target laptop (the one i was fixing) was an MSI and it was really crappy.

looking for advice for a good 17.3 laptop
 

: Wish I have high performance graphics card without heating issues. Most nvidia based machines are getting damaged due to heat. We are seeing this in our hospitals. Then intel graphics are almost coming up to same performance too.

I have never faced any problem with Ubuntu or Puppy in dealing with wifi. I always purchased used laptops, so never faced any issues with components since those models would have been around and many would have purchased them. Personally I do not fancy the model or technology. For me, I look at what that peace of plastic is serving and how well it is working. Then for older machines, users would have posted known issues and solutions too.


Yes, I have used Y510p with two graphics cards, it is simply great. Still working nicely.

- As far as your RAM / customization requirements go... Are you sure you actually want a Laptop? Consider buying a regular pc and a netbook for the road... Plenty good tools out there for Linux to sync data between the two...[/QUOTE]




- Yes I found replacement part on amazon, will order it, whether I purchase a new machine or not. Re replacement:??? I am not sure of my own skills, but will try over Xmas break.

MSI laptops look great. GS70 has a large power brick and that almost makes it non-portable. I am not a hulk either to carry large loads daily. Looking at custom MSI laptops, but they would not supply without nVidia. Even 17.3 inch MSI barebones are heavy in weight and expensive too.

Dell, hp and Toshiba have low weight 17.3 inch laptops. I know only Dell laptops that too inspirons so far; I can tell that they are linux friendly [particularly with ubuntu and puppy] and easy to configure.

Thanks to all of you folks, you all have been great!