System76 Support now in Ubuntu Forums!

[crichell]

System76 (http://www.system76.com) support is now in Ubuntu Forums. Ask any questions you have about our machines or receive support from the best open source community out there.

Ubuntu Forum members also receive discounts from System76. $10 off your desktop order or $25 off your laptop order. You can use the following coupons for your rebate.

Desktop Coupon Code: forums-desktop

Laptop Coupon Code: forums-laptop

[sharperguy]

Sounds great, but how do you know I am actually a member to look at the code?

[crichell]

sharperguy - it's a trust deal - who wouldn't want to be a member of ubuntuforums.org anyway?

[happyisland]

I've been coveting the laptops and will probably pull the trigger on one sometime soon. My question is more about the company though: who founded it and how long has it been around? Anything cool about System76 that makes it stand out as a company (beside the fact that it runs the world's best OS)?
Thanks!

[crichell]

My question is more about the company though: who founded it and how long has it been around? Anything cool about System76 that makes it stand out as a company (beside the fact that it runs the world's best OS)?

We're a clandestine group of undercover agents tunneling our way through creative hardware to deliver innovative open source systems to the masses – or actually just a bunch of people that thought there should be a better choice out there and that we could deliver it. We officially started up in November of 2005 so it's closing in on the end of an exciting year. Anything cool? A couple of the guys here can fly and one dodges bullets on cue.

[crichell]

We just found out that our former employee can't dodge bullets closer than 5 feet. oops.

[Vogateer]

I've been thinking about getting a laptop for quite a while, and I thought I might try Lenovo, until I found out that their supposed support of Suse was practically nonexistent.

I like what I see of your System76 laptops, and I think I heard about your company on the Linux Link Tech Show. This is the first time I've seen a laptop I actually wanted to buy, since I knew I'd never want to run anything but linux, and now I see someone actually supporting Ubuntu for the first year or longer. My wife just started working, so we might actually have some money to spare, soon, so that I'll hopefully be able to purchase one in a few months. Have your laptops been reviewed on other sites?

I'd like to finally support a vendor who actually preloads linux on consumer laptops and desktops. Most companies aren't willing to do it, and I'm glad you guys at System76 are doing it.

[spyke01]

I can personally vouch for the laptops your using on system 76, the company i used to work for had alot of them, the 12" one is super nice in person and really light, ive been eyeing them for a long time. The chasis is made by Asus so you know its great quality.

[rapha]

I second that. I bought myself their Bonobo 17" laptop recently, and it's the best computer I've owned (or used!) to date, including Apple computers. Plus they're very nice guys and got incredibly good support.

By the way, how many of you are there, Carl, Erik... just the two of you?

[ubuntuman001]

I second that. I bought myself their Bonobo 17" laptop recently, and it's the best computer I've owned (or used!) to date, including Apple computers. Plus they're very nice guys and got incredibly good support.

By the way, how many of you are there, Carl, Erik... just the two of you?by 'Erik" are you referring to me??? cause i'm not affiliated with system76 in any way, though i might be a futuure customer...:p

[crichell]

I think Rapha is referring to Erik - another one of the guys over here at System76.

[rapha]

That's correct... although up until now I had at least suspected this to be the same person -- error is human :)

[Cartwheels4amile]

Hah, guess I know where all my extra cash is going. Those laptops look niiiiiice.

You guys at System76 are doing a great thing for Ubuntu and the open-source community in general. Thanks!

[Ptero-4]

I second all of you guys. System76 is doing what all those other OEM's are afraid of. Getting innovative hardware of high quality and a high quality Opensource OS in one nice package. Too bad I don't have a creditcard (The dorks at the bank say that I haven't been enough time in my current day job to be applicable for a creditcard) I'm itching to pull the trigger on that "order" button.

[jarlath]

I'm seriously considering buying one of these laptops if I find one that meets my needs, mainly because of the support you will provide. I'm wondering, do you deliver a laptop with a default Ubuntu installation, or do you do the extras like mp3 support, flash plugins, hardware accelleration, universe repositaries enabled and so on?

I suppose what I'm asking is, what do I get that I wouldn't get if I installed Ubuntu on my own machine?

[crichell]

I suppose what I'm asking is, what do I get that I wouldn't get if I installed Ubuntu on my own machine?

Our installation isn't far from the standard Ubuntu installation. We don't provide mp3/DVD/flash or other software that requires the acceptance of a license. We uncomment backports, universe, and multiverse repositories, provide Beagle as the default search engine, network-manager-gnome, deskbar configured into the panel, and a few apps that we think are good additions. We also provide a universal driver that enables support for some devices and automatically updates to easily add more functionality once it comes available (things like cameras or other non-standard and lightly supported devices.)

[motin]

I've been thinking about getting a laptop for quite a while, and I thought I might try Lenovo, until I found out that their supposed support of Suse was practically nonexistent.

I like what I see of your System76 laptops, and I think I heard about your company on the Linux Link Tech Show. This is the first time I've seen a laptop I actually wanted to buy, since I knew I'd never want to run anything but linux, and now I see someone actually supporting Ubuntu for the first year or longer. My wife just started working, so we might actually have some money to spare, soon, so that I'll hopefully be able to purchase one in a few months. Have your laptops been reviewed on other sites?

I'd like to finally support a vendor who actually preloads linux on consumer laptops and desktops. Most companies aren't willing to do it, and I'm glad you guys at System76 are doing it.

So do I. I am buying from you next time of course!

Hah, guess I know where all my extra cash is going. Those laptops look niiiiiice.

You guys at System76 are doing a great thing for Ubuntu and the open-source community in general. Thanks!

I second. Thank you System76!

Our installation isn't far from the standard Ubuntu installation. We don't provide mp3/DVD/flash or other software that requires the acceptance of a license. We uncomment backports, universe, and multiverse repositories, provide Beagle as the default search engine, network-manager-gnome, deskbar configured into the panel, and a few apps that we think are good additions. We also provide a universal driver that enables support for some devices and automatically updates to easily add more functionality once it comes available (things like cameras or other non-standard and lightly supported devices.)

Sounds great! So then one can buy a laptop now with builtin camera and even if the camera doesn't work right away it will as soon as the driver comes out. Super! Finally one can get rid of Windows! (And still have the option to install it to a second partition if needed, and/or in VMWare)

[motin]

I also want to add that I am very happy that your support channel is ubuntuforums! It makes everything fit so nicely!

[crichell]

very happy that your support channel is ubuntuforums!

I am too - this is a great place for us and we prefer spending our time in here anyway.

[newlinux]

I think it also exhibits confidence in your own products to have support channels here. Everyone can see what problems people are having and how you respond to them. On the flip side, everyone can see how happy people are with your products and quickly get new information on upcoming products from one spot. I go to the Ubuntu forums pretty much everyday I have free time, so it is nice to have it all here. I'm hoping one day I'll come here and see the announcement for the preconfigured mythbox from system76 :).

[Frak]

All hardware included with S'76 should work without a flaw right? (That might have been a stupid question)

[crichell]

All hardware included with S'76 should work without a flaw right?

Yes - About the only thing we don't support are 56k modems. In our experience the software that enables them results in undesirable effects. We currently have camera drivers under open source development - we also include a driver that automatically updates when we can add new funtionaility.

[motin]

Yes - About the only thing we don't support are 56k modems. In our experience the software that enables them results in undesirable effects. We currently have camera drivers under open source development - we also include a driver that automatically updates when we can add new funtionaility.

Are 56k modems included in the driver that updates in case you add functionality for them?

[crichell]

Are 56k modems included in the driver that updates in case you add functionality for them?

Yes

[motin]

Yes

Great!

EDIT: The rest of this message was better suited in seperate thread: http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=1598204

[happyisland]

I just wanted to say that today I finally bought my first (of many, I'm sure) computer from System76. I bought a ratel to use as an office computer in the small retail shop I run. The #1 deciding factor in choosing system76 was their presence here in the ubuntuforums and their dedication to the Ubuntu project. Keep up the good work!

[d3br074]

omg. this looks so amazing. Unfortunatly i have to use windows occasionally, to run programs and crap so i have to dual boot. It would be pointless to buy a laptop without it already installed. I hate windows but it's kinda nessecery so i can't get one until linux finally overthrows the windows empire. Can't happen soon enough for me!

[motin]

omg. this looks so amazing. Unfortunatly i have to use windows occasionally, to run programs and crap so i have to dual boot. It would be pointless to buy a laptop without it already installed. I hate windows but it's kinda nessecery so i can't get one until linux finally overthrows the windows empire. Can't happen soon enough for me!

If you already own a boxed version of Windows - just buy the system76 computer and install windows on it as part of a dual-boot setup. You'd probably do the opposite to a Windows-shipped computer wouldn't you? system76 just makes your main OS (Ubuntu) more reliable.

[crichell]

We have a number of customers that do just that (as we keep away from Windows). We have a how to here:

http://knowledge76.com/index.php/Windows_-_Add_MS_Windows_to_Your_System76_Machine

[linuxgamingworld]

System76 support is great! We posted breathlessly your praise here (http://www.linuxgamingworld.com/2006/12/ubuntu-pre-installed-and-supported), and I'm personally going to order a system in two to three months.

Thank you for supporting Linux.

[gbutler69]

**** UPDATE ****

Well, it's now been 4 days (count 'em, 1, 2, 3, 4...Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, ...Friday...well, maybe 5 depending on how you count :) ) and I still don't have my laptop. The site says it is "In Manufacturing". Aaaaagh! I am itching to get my hands on that thing. Hurry, up....Hurry, up....Hurry, up......Aaaaaagh!

(calm down Tweek...have some more coffee!)

Aaaagh!

**** END UPDATe ****


I just ordered a System76 laptop using the provided promotion codes. Great deal. According to their site, I should have it in a couple of days. WONDERFUL!

I'll post a follow-up when I receive it and have a chance to evaluat my new Ubuntu goodness.

I'm getting it in order to have a laptop for my new consulting business. I'm going to be providing Free and Open Source solutions and support to individuals and businesses in the North-East Ohio area.

I'm really looking forward to this new endeavor. I've wanted, for the longest, to break away from the proprietary world. Although I've been using Linux exclusively in my personal life for over 8 or 9 years, I've, up 'til now, worked for companies that just could not truly appreciate the beauty of Free Software.

Well, now I'm hoping to base my livelihood an reputation on it.

Here's to Ubuntu! :KS

[cubanresourceful]

I am wondering, I have been viewing these desktops that System76 has. Very nice! But, a question if you will. Are you offering any desktops that do not have integrated graphics cards? If not, if a desktop does have an integrated graphics card, does that mean you cannot install another one?

[crichell]

Are you offering any desktops that do not have integrated graphics cards?

All of our desktops come with either integrated graphics cards or PCI-Express graphics cards.

if a desktop does have an integrated graphics card, does that mean you cannot install another one?

If there is an integrated graphics card a dedicated graphics card can be added. The Koala is an exception as it only has room for the built in graphics card.

[cubanresourceful]

Thats good to hear. When I get enough money from work, hopefully I can replace my pretty much outdated laptop with a nice gaming rig setup from system76. And its great, because Ubuntu is pre-installed! :D

[mannon]

I remember the S76 people. Very nice group of people. You once had an affiliation with a LUG I ran..

I'm glad to see you present on ubuntuforums.org :P

Cheers,
~Artemis

[gimfred]

Has there been a change to the overseas sales situation? In Australia and looking for a non-proprietary solution for my proprietary-brainwashed relatives. They don't like that I live in other towns when support is required. This is 'the' main reason for not waking out of their windoze slumber.

[pythonusr]

This looks very interesting! I think I'm gonna buy one! I'm looking at the Darter Ultra and the Serval laptops.

For those of you who have the problem of Windows applications, why don't you try either WinE or just dual-booting XP/Vista on a System 76 box?

[palintheus]

I'm looking at the Darter Ultra...

They are currently our of stock on the Darter waiting on the updated model, you can see more in this (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=471947) thread, I was about to purchase one when I saw they were out of stock.

[jarlath]

Do the models with intergrated graphic cards support desktop effects?

[crichell]

All of our laptops and desktops support desktop effects (with integrated Intel or nvidia cards).

[ry4n]

i'm going to get hung for this but: has any one tried putting windows on it to duel boot?

[Kymac]

I feel like a cheapskate for asking this, but I was thinking about buying a Darter Ultra, and am curious if anyone knows if the forums-laptop code is still in effect?

[saxamo]

I feel like a cheapskate for asking this, but I was thinking about buying a Darter Ultra, and am curious if anyone knows if the forums-laptop code is still in effect?

I just bought a Darter on monday and sadly the code didn't work :(

i'm going to get hung for this but: has any one tried putting windows on it to duel b

I would also like to know more about this. I looked on the system76 wiki but it seems the tutorial was outdated.

[Damiel]

System76, any future plans for a 17'' laptop with full keyboard (separated keypad included)?

[ry4n]

I would also like to know more about this. I looked on the system76 wiki but it seems the tutorial was outdated.

I am sure that it does, I just wounder if there is an easy way with out having to take Ubuntu off. I love Ubuntu (that is why i want a system 76) I just have these dumb programs that i need for school that only run on windows. (at least i don't have to buy a mac!):)

[rapha]

Just install VMWare Player (there's lots of info on the web on how to get Windows set up for it w/o having a full VMWare license)

[anemptygun]

leet hax

[saxamo]

Just install VMWare Player (there's lots of info on the web on how to get Windows set up for it w/o having a full VMWare license)

Be very careful with this though! I tried to install VMWare player on my darter and I really botched synaptic. Whenever I install/remove/ use apt-get, i always get an error referring to vmware player. It's perpetually stuck. It doesn't affect the other packages, it's just annoying...

[rapha]

Wow, what did you do to botch the dpkg system by installing VMWare? If that was really the case, then there would be a problem with the .deb-package in question and you should probably file a bug...

[saxamo]

Oh, trust me it's been tagged in launchpad (https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/vmware-player/+bug/57957) many times. I've tried some of the solutions i've found to no avail. It's not a huge problem for me as I planned to reimage my system, anyway. All I say is to take caution!!!

[rapha]

Oh, trust me it's been tagged in launchpad (https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/vmware-player/+bug/57957) many times. I've tried some of the solutions i've found to no avail. It's not a huge problem for me as I planned to reimage my system, anyway. All I say is to take caution!!!

Okay, thanks then -- I'll try to keep that in mind when recommending VMWare player.

[Neuralgia]

hi, i''ve always drooled over this laptops, and at least once a month i just costumize one to see how much would it cost :(

the probles is i live in Costa Rica, Central America... so my concerns are:

1) warranty/support
2) what comes with the system? a CD to restore factory settings, just in case you mess up? (i've formated my desktop like 8 times, learning... guess i'll reformat again once in a while with my laptop)

Neu

[thomasaaron]

We only ship within the Continental US and Canada.

[yoder]

I've been reading through these threads and System76 has thoroughly impressed me. I've been running Ubuntu for years, but have never purchased a machine with Linux preloaded. I will be in the market for a laptop in a few months and System76 is right at the top of my list. It didn't hurt having Chris from the Linux Action Show talk about his machine either.

[stephanvaningen]

Is there a possibility that System76 comes to Europe? When would that happen? What starting ground do you need? Are you 100% working on it or can you work with part-timers in Europe to get this off the ground?

[vaximily]

BTW, just at a peak about their servers, they are actually Intel products that they have re-branded.

Here's the breakdown if you'd like to compare:

These are designed as entry-level servers or high-end workstations:
Eland Pedestal = S5000XVN / SC5299-E
Eland Pro Pedestal or Rack = S5000XVN / SC5400

These are specifically designed for medium-intensity server applications (you'd be going up to around $30,000 - $50,000 for the same generation of high-intensity computing power)
Jackal 1u = Unsure of exact model, don't have any of these.
Jackal 1u Pro = S5000PAL / SR1500
Jackal 2u Pro = S5000PAL / SR2500
Jackal 1u Storage Pro = S5000PAL / SR1550

They are incredibly hearty servers, and the prices aren't bad either. (I work at Intel and have about 30 total of these various models, so I'd know :D)

[jingo811]

We only ship within the Continental US and Canada.

:(

[jrickard]

I bought a miniPC Duo from 76 about two weeks ago. I got the bottom of the line CPU with a GIG of memory and the smallest hard drive with Ubuntu 7.10 preloaded.

I have to say I'm just delighted. Delivery was a week or 10 days, not quite Amazon but I was not displeased. The unit is 6.5 inches square and 1.5 inches tall, essentially the form factor of the MacMini.

I set the thing up as a kind of wireless webcam server. I use GPHOTO2 to remotely capture images from a series of Canon A640 digital still cameras. The images are then processed using IMageMagick. And finally, they are transferred to the web server. (http://www.oldcapebridge.com).

I use a Pelco EH5700 series weatherproof enclosure. The miniPC Duo and camera both fit in the weatherproof enclosure quite nicely. I still have to run AC power to it at this point. But nothing else. The power brick and cords for the camera and the PC are the biggest mess in the enclosure. The camera connects to the USB port. And the whole thing connects to my network via the built in wireless.

I plan on finding some sort of minicable for the 76 to put the antenna outside the enclosure. But it's actually working even sealed inside the enclosure at this point.

I can login SSH and do about whatever I need to as far as altering scripts and so forth or rebooting the machine. Of course, if he camera needs resetting, I still have to open hte enclosure and hit the camera button (haven't found a way around that). But it mostly just works. I use NFS and autofs to connect to the web server and the scripts just copy files to the webserver after they are processed.

With the enclosure, the PC, and the Camera, we're looking at something like $1100 all in for a weatherproof wireless remote camera that takes very nice resolution images every 30 seconds and automatically posts them to a web server.

I looked at some smaller single board designs, but all the cross compiling and so forth just isn't worth it. The miniPC is small enough to fit into the enclosure, and I have a very familiar full Ubuntu install to use as needed.

Can't say enough about 76 support. Actually, I can't say anything about it. I haven't needed any. But I was delighted to see them in the forums.

Ok, here's a support question. What kind of cable do I need to connect to the antenna port on the back of the miniPC. I want to mount the antenna OUTSIDE the enclosure and run a six inch or foot long pigtail into the enclosure and connect to the connector on the back. There are so many kinds of these connectors. MMCX male/female/MOUSE. It would save some time, if I knew what connector to order for each end of the pigtail.

Jack Rickard

[Bllz]

I saw that a few people were wondering whether or not the discount codes still work.

I'm here to confirm that they do! Thanks to the System76 team! I just ordered my Serval Performance (fully loaded!) and I'm giddy as a schoolgirl.

:guitar: Rock On! :guitar:

[jeamer]

dag yo! Just saw the discount codes for the first time, of course while my Pangolin is already paid for and in manufacturing. Oh well, 25 bucks off a $1200 laptop isn't really paying for my education :)

Having said that, I couldn't be more excited. I check the order status probably 15 times a day; can't wait for this baby to come in the mail!

Wrong thread, but I'm assuming the Pangolin doesn't come with the fingerprint hardware? Here's hoping you prove me wrong...

[georgedonnelly]

How come I can't create a new thread in the system76 support forum? I am seeing this message:

you are browsing the ARCHIVE section at Ubuntu Forums. You are able to reply/post to threads that are ALREADY created, however you cannot create NEW threads in the archive.