Dual-booting XP and Ubuntu

[ImperfectlyInformed]

Hi, I'm thinking about buying a System76 laptop because my previous computer buys haven't worked with Linux and I want something sure to work. Plus I like supporting an independent Linux distributor. I'm a complete Linux newbie, however, and I want to install XP on another partition immediately.

Main question: will I be able to make a new partition right out the box, or would I have to reformat my computer like in XP? Could I request that my computer have separate partitions when it is sent to me?

Another question: I found an article critical of System76 (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1421784/should_you_buy_an_ubuntu_notebook_pc.html?singlepa ge=true&cat=15), and he said that his graphics drivers didn't work because there was no 3D acceleration. Now, I don't really plan to play high-tech games on Ubuntu (but I do plan to play them on Windows) but that does sound a bit troubling. Is problems with graphics drivers a common issue?

[betrunkenaffe]

I have a Pangolin, 3d works fine for me. While I feel sorry for them, they didn't really research the machine, they assumed and got burned.. also, games on Darter just seems weird to me.

I also just looked up Darter, it uses Intel graphics chipset, seriously, I lost all feeling of pity now. That's like asking a toaster to drive you to work. Not going to happen.

Your main problem with dual booting will be XP...

[3Miro]

The article is mostly BS. There are no issues with drivers and suspend on System 76 laptops and I have myself installed Ubuntu on a number of Dell laptops - no issues there either. If you get a driver problem on Linux, it is a large exception nowadays.

If you want to play windows games you probably need to install XP, the nvidia 9300M on the Pangolin should be nice, or you can get the bigger one, if you want to spend the money.

For most of win Xp needs (such as using old apps that just won't run under Linux), you can try Virtual Box. VB, however, wouldn't play games.

I have been playing 32-bit Windows games on my 64bit desktop for quite a while now. It is tricky to get them to work (for some games), but once set up, the games work flawlessly.

There are some articles on the System 76 wiki that guide you to installing XP, I have not tried it myslelf.