which laptop should I buy to run Linux
 

Hi Everyone,

Before I make the mistake of buying a laptop then not being able to install Linux on it I was wondering if anyone could suggest types of laptops that are most compatable with Linux.

I have been looking at the likes of Toshiba, Packard Bell etc.

Also, what would be the min spec of laptop should I be looking for to run Linux well.

All help is much appreciated.

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BTW: I am a total newbie, so just so I know I'm Not on the wrong track...

The reason why I want to install Linux is because I have some software in the following format...

FILENAME.tar.gz (45k)

I know this is not a windows file, and I have been told I need UNIX/Linux to run this.

Could someone please tell me if this is correct.

Thanks very much for your help.

Yes your software is in a compressed (gzipped) archive (tar) form. Its a native linux file form. As far as linux and laptops are concerned this site should answer all your questions.

btw, what software is that for which you want to install linux, i mean it is something critical.

and yes, welcome to LQ :D

Tux,

Welcome to LQ. I'd also suggest taking a look at the LQ HCL, which contains a number of reviews covering specific laptops and written by the LQ community. Definitely worth a look IMO. Good luck with whatever purchase you make -- J.W.

I am using a Dell Inspiron 5150 laptop, everything works great except the modem, which I did get working after paying $15 for a linux modem driver.
I also know that Compaq (part of HP) is starting to sell laptops with linux preinstalled - even if you did not want linux preinstalled, I am assuming these would be very compatible with linux - SuSE in particular. I think the model is called NX5000
www.EmperorLinux.com sells laptops with linux presinstalled, as well as dual boot options.

as far as minimum specs, this probably isn't a big deal, if it can run XP it should be able to run linux, although make sure to get enough Hard Drive space for the two installations.

I am not personally picky about the brand.. If you want a decent laptop at a good price, check ebay. As far as minimum specs, you can run linux just fine on a 500Mhz laptop (I run XP just fine on a 500MHz Laptop)

Check and see what IBM and Toshiba have on their websites for refurbs, and good luck with Linux...

We can't just tell you go out and buy this XYZ particular brand of laptop. Each of our needs are dfiferent. We can only help you by offering advice.
Anyway, there is several pretty good web sites dealing with the subject. Check out Linux on laptops:
http://www.linux-laptop.net/
http://tuxmobil.org/
Look at http://www.tuxmobil.org/sony.htm

Personally, I'd look in IBMs direction, but HP just came out with their first Linux on laptop several days ago

Nowaday, you can get a linux-preinstalled laptop and avoid the M$ tax.
Look at

Linux pre-installed laptop vendors
http://www.tuxmobile.org/reseller.html
http://www.linux.org/vendor/system/laptop.html
http://www.elementcomputer.com/
http://carbonlinux.com/osc/

Laptop
http://tuxmobil.org/index.html
http://www.linux-laptop.net

Linux pre-installed vendors
http://www.linux.org/vendor/system/index.html

Buy places
http://www.linuxcentral.com/_v3/
http://almostfreelinux.com/

Personally, if I was buying now (I did 1/2 year ago - where the links can from),
I would buy from one of the big boys - quality & support are better. I know HP
is now selling linux-preinstalled laptop. Look around in

www.hp.com

and see what's there.

Sheng-Chieh