Recommend a Linux-friendly laptop from a Linux-friendly vendor

[gdiv]

I am looking for an inexpensive laptop, probably a refurbished ultralight. I prefer touchpads to pointing sticks. I need a cd-rom and a real modem. I also need a vendor that has a clue.

I've found the Linux on Laptops website, but it is difficult to sort through all the possibilities as each model has its own web site (or sites) and its own set of unique installation problems. I am looking for one of the easier ones, of course.

I have it narrowed down to IBM (240, but I hate pointing sticks), Toshiba (portege, ditto), Compaq (armada m300), and Dell (latitude ls). Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Sonys are prettiest, and the pcg-505tr is a relatively painless install, but Sony Customer Service (I know, it's an oxymoron) sent me a snippy reply when I requested Linux-compatible hardware and Linux-related customer support.

Compaq has provided a downloadable paper on the installation of Linux on one of the Armada models. IBM has just announced that it plans to spend over a billion dollars on Linux. Dell provides Linux installations on certain desktop models.

I am also considered ordering from Tuxtops, but I want to look around for something cheaper and figure that I will learn more if I do the installation myself.

[Evil Jeff]

My dell inspiron 7000 works fine, except for the modem (although I think they do carry hardware modems for this model) and they have several driver rpms for my hardware, too. Go to support.dell.com and check out how their support site is laid out. Very nicely.

Evil Jeff
www.hellincorporated.com (http://www.hellincorporated.com)

[n2linux]

Dell is pretty good for the most part, and if I'm not mistaken, I thought they used to sell RedHat 6.2 preinstalled on the (now discontinued) 7500 series.

I have a 5000 that works almost perfectly with Mandrake 7.2

[njcajun]

well, you might consider 'tuxtops' which I believe is at tuxtops.com, and I think Penguin Computing has laptops too. Both have Linux native laptops.

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...meanwhile, I remain...
...The RedHatted Stepchild...

[ph34r]

I'd say go with a Dell. I have used Linux on several of the Lattitude CPIa series, all working perfectly.

Also, Dell has some excellent warranty service, so get that 3 year warranty - worth it if you need hardware replaced at any time.

[Shad]

You might want to consider Tuxtops or IBM with preinstalled Linux. Even if you install your own distro they will provide better support if you ever do have a problem with it then if you buy one with MS Windows preinstalled. Typically they will only support what the notebook came witha nd depending on the knowledge of the Tech you get on the phone, may not even deal with for a hardware issue if you have Linux.

Compaq and E-machines are really bad for this. I have heard mixed reports from Dell, and Sony is actually a little better. At Sony you will deal most likely with an idiot at first then get a "specialist" that sends you a box to get the unit repaired.



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Just a Tuna in the Sea of Life

[teeitup]

I run Debian on my Compaq Armada 1750.
I should note that I didn't have to pay for it. Given to me when I left my last job.

Armada's are heavy but I like having the CD available all the time. I can also remove the floppy and use two batteries. This thing goes for 4 hours plus that way.

It does have a touchpad, just as flaky in Linux as in Windows 98se.

Everything, except the modem, worked on the initial install. I usually have access to a network so I don't need it much.
If I was doing it on my own I would pay special attention to the modem. I've been told the Xircom real ports work fine, no dongles either.

Figuring out how to customize the pcmcia modules, while making a custom kernel, was a pain. I probably made it harder than it had to be.

Now that it is setup it is great.

There is a nice newsgroup at:
http://www.mailgate.org/linux/linux.debian.laptop/index.html

Great place to see what kind of problems people encounter with linux and laptops.
Dells and IBMs seem to be very popular.

Good Luck,


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Don't take life to seriously, You'll never get out alive!
-Bugs Bunny-

[vhg119]

i'm using a compaq presariio 1200 laptop
works perfectly
even the winmodem
the sound comes from alsa
which is included in mandrake.