[SOLVED] what is a good laptop that works well with ubuntu?

[T2manner]

?

[mikewhatever]

http://www.ubuntu.com/dell

Good luck. :)

[FFighter]

HP laps usually have a good relationship with Tux. I myself got a HP dv6448SE and it works fine, apart from some new quircks from Hardy (which used to work fine in Gutsy).

[acelin]

Despite the fact that Dell's can come with Ubuntu, I have heard horror stories about bad upgrades and poor drivers. That still would probably be your best bet, with HP the next best alternative. I personally use it on an Apple, but there can be problems.

[T2manner]

i heard Dell has some major lawsuit against them about fraud, so i'm not so sure i want to buy a Dell..

[gameryoshi600]

Here are some manufacturers who preload ubuntu:
System76 (http://system76.com/)
ZaReason (http://zareason.com)
Dell (ubuntu.com/dell)

[steveneddy]

My vote goes to system76.

[amwus]

Hi !

I've a IBM/Lenovo Thinkpad R52. I never had any problems with Ubuntu on that machine, now for 3 years. New Thinkpads run also nicely with linux (my father has a R61).

I recommend you these computers... Very strong machines !

[chucky chuckaluck]

my system76 was fine with ubuntu and fine with arch.

[RiceMonster]

I have a Dell Inspiron 1520 that came with Vista pre installed, and it works exceptionally well with Hardy.

[HotShotDJ]

I purchased a Dell. It is unlikely that I would purchase from Dell a second time. Spend a few days in the System76 forum here (http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=341) and see what their customers are saying and ask some questions.

[Old_Gray_Wolf]

The Dell 1420 works well. Be sure to get the Intel Internet mini-card, and NOT the Broadcom. Until Broadcom fixes their driver to work with Linux you will have to go through the patch process every time the Kernel is updated.

[SeePU]

What do you guys mean by drivers? The respective sound/webcam etc. drivers or which drivers?

I suspect none of the manufacturers have decent availability of drivers. Possibly Dell but it might depend on which model of Dells? Lenovo Thinkpads might work well in Linux but I always thought it was a case of individual hardware components and whether the manufacturer provided open source drivers or had good proprietary drivers.

I need good functioning video and wireless so I thought I would be okay as long as I have Intel integrated graphics X3100 or maybe Nvidia 8400M GS (with much tweaking) might work okay?

As for wireless, I will only accept a laptop with Intel 4965agn since I read it works out of the box.

I'm looking into financing my purchase through my company so I'm not sure I can buy via online. If so, then I have many options including the Dells and Lenovos. If not, then I have restricted options.

If I need to buy from a store or retailer, I am looking at two main notebooks:

Sony Vaio CR420 14" T8100, 3GB RAM, X3100, Intel 4965agn
and
Asus Asus 14" F8SN-B1 Notebook ---- Intel Core 2 Duo T8100, 3G RAM, NVidia G9500M GS 512MB,250G, DVD+/-RW,802.11A/G/N, 14" WXGA

Can anyone comment on these choices and/or suggest others (preferably, ones that would be available from a retail store or someeplace in which I could discuss the sale with a seller in person. I am hoping I can arrange the transaction even if it's online but I'll see.

If there are any other brands that have similar specs to those above and are available locally (I'm in CANADA), please list them.

Thanks!

Oh yeah, for additional info or more details of what I'm looking for, please take a quick read here:
[URL="http://If I need to buy from a store or retailer, I am looking at two main notebooks:http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=822640

Sony Vaio CR420 14" T8100, 3GB RAM, X3100, Intel 4965agn
and
Asus Asus 14" F8SN-B1 Notebook ---- Intel Core 2 Duo T8100, 3G RAM, NVidia G9500M GS 512MB,250G, DVD+/-RW,802.11A/G/N, 14" WXGA"]http://If I need to buy from a store or retailer, I am looking at two main notebooks:http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=822640

Sony Vaio CR420 14" T8100, 3GB RAM, X3100, Intel 4965agn
and
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=822640

[blackvd]

I have a Dell Inspiron 6400 with an nvidia gfx card. I haven't had any problems at all. Everything worked out of box and perfect. I would definitely suggest it.

[terry_gardener]

i have toshiba satellite a100-998 which everything works out of the box on, only had to install the nvidia drivers using restricted drivers manager, even the wireless worked out of the box.

[peacekpr]

I use a Dell Inspiron 1501 with AMD, and I like it. I've been using Ubuntu on this notebook since December 2005 (ran 6.10 AMD64 for about 2 full years).

[acelin]

What do you guys mean by drivers? The respective sound/webcam etc. drivers or which drivers?

I suspect none of the manufacturers have decent availability of drivers. Possibly Dell but it might depend on which model of Dells? Lenovo Thinkpads might work well in Linux but I always thought it was a case of individual hardware components and whether the manufacturer provided open source drivers or had good proprietary drivers.

I need good functioning video and wireless so I thought I would be okay as long as I have Intel integrated graphics X3100 or maybe Nvidia 8400M GS (with much tweaking) might work okay?

As for wireless, I will only accept a laptop with Intel 4965agn since I read it works out of the box.

I'm looking into financing my purchase through my company so I'm not sure I can buy via online. If so, then I have many options including the Dells and Lenovos. If not, then I have restricted options.

If I need to buy from a store or retailer, I am looking at two main notebooks:

Sony Vaio CR420 14" T8100, 3GB RAM, X3100, Intel 4965agn
and
Asus Asus 14" F8SN-B1 Notebook ---- Intel Core 2 Duo T8100, 3G RAM, NVidia G9500M GS 512MB,250G, DVD+/-RW,802.11A/G/N, 14" WXGA

Can anyone comment on these choices and/or suggest others (preferably, ones that would be available from a retail store or someeplace in which I could discuss the sale with a seller in person. I am hoping I can arrange the transaction even if it's online but I'll see.

If there are any other brands that have similar specs to those above and are available locally (I'm in CANADA), please list them.

Thanks!

Oh yeah, for additional info or more details of what I'm looking for, please take a quick read here:
[URL="http://If I need to buy from a store or retailer, I am looking at two main notebooks:http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=822640

Sony Vaio CR420 14" T8100, 3GB RAM, X3100, Intel 4965agn
and
Asus Asus 14" F8SN-B1 Notebook ---- Intel Core 2 Duo T8100, 3G RAM, NVidia G9500M GS 512MB,250G, DVD+/-RW,802.11A/G/N, 14" WXGA"]http://If I need to buy from a store or retailer, I am looking at two main notebooks:http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=822640

Sony Vaio CR420 14" T8100, 3GB RAM, X3100, Intel 4965agn
and
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=822640

Do not get a Sony. Whatever you do, do not get a Sony.

The thing with Dell is some of their laptops come with Ubuntu preloaded, so they have provided drivers for their hardware in Ubuntu. Thinkpads are also very good...

[AndyCooll]

It all depends on how much you want to spend.

Lenovo ThinkPads are usually well worth looking at.

At the budget end Dell's are also good.

I have a couple of Dell Inspiron 6400's and have been extremely pleased with them. With Hardy everything worked out-of-the-box.

:cool:

[SeePU]

Do not get a Sony. Whatever you do, do not get a Sony.

The thing with Dell is some of their laptops come with Ubuntu preloaded, so they have provided drivers for their hardware in Ubuntu. Thinkpads are also very good...
Okay, no Sony! Seriously, though, why do you say that? I don't doubt you as I've read a lot about them on some of the notebook forums. It sounds like they have too many issues.

Did you check out the Asus? I don't know how they are for drivers but other than their weight, the specs and price are very good.

I like Dell but I'm financing it through work and I'm not sure I can buy online that way. Also, most of Dell's Ubuntu machines are not quite the ones I'm looking for. I want a relatively light, more recent machine with a high performance cpu. I also want the Intel 4965agn wireless so which "Ubuntu" Dells offer this? The stores/vendors that sell Dells have computers that are overpriced for what you get. The processors are mainstream T5450 (or similar) and the laptop is usually overpriced. If I can figure out a way to buy online, I'd consider Dell. But, which one? I like the XPS 1330M as it has everything I'd like (if it can be customized). What do you think?

[SeePU]

Hey, I was wondering which you (anyone?) prefer??:
Dell XPS M1330 or Lenovo Thinkpad T61.

[Skorzen]

I've got a ASUS F3Sc, that came pre-installed with Vista, and works great with Hardy.

[techmarks]

I also would recommend the IBM/Lenovo Thinkpads, they're very
solid built machines and you can put any brand of Linux or one
of the BSD's without any troubles.

[jespdj]

My Dell XPS M1530 is a great laptop on which 64-bit Ubuntu 8.04 works great (http://jesperdj.pbwiki.com/Ubuntu+on+the+Dell+XPS+M1530).

[Kernel Sanders]

Hey, I was wondering which you (anyone?) prefer??:
Dell XPS M1330 or Lenovo Thinkpad T61.

I would warn against the dell XPS M1330 unless you are a linux power user. I have the intel wireless card, and the dedicated 128mb nVidia graphics card, and I can't get either to work properly and I have poor sound quality.

[SeePU]

I would warn against the dell XPS M1330 unless you are a linux power user. I have the intel wireless card, and the dedicated 128mb nVidia graphics card, and I can't get either to work properly and I have poor sound quality.
Isn't the M1330 with Intel card, the Intel 4965agn? That particular Intel card is supposed to be good for 'out of the box' wireless configuration in Linux, isn't it?

I will probably go with Intel integrated graphics, X3100, in either the Thinkpad or Dell since it is 'out of the box' and I won't be gaming. I might try Compiz and stuff like that but I was told that the Intel graphics should be adequate for that?

I read that the Thinkpad's screen doesn't offer much brightness (dim screen). What about that issue? Any other issues with either notebook and with those under consideration, which laptop would you choose?

I also thought the LED screen of the Dell was a huge benefit. It makes the notebook lighter and would produce less heat. How does the Thinkpad screen compare?

Thanks for the replies so far, guys! I think Ubuntu would be good on either laptop so much of the comparison regards quality and features. However, I am impressed with the Thinkpad Wiki and I discovered that Dell has pages dedicated to the install of Ubuntu. I just don't which to choose although I have always configured the Thinkpad v.s. Dell and the Thinkpad always comes out cheaper. How much more weight does the Thinkpad have and is it portable at all (in comparison)? I won't be lugging it everywhere but I will be taking it places.

[Kernel Sanders]

Isn't the M1330 with Intel card, the Intel 4965agn? That particular Intel card is supposed to be good for 'out of the box' wireless configuration in Linux, isn't it?

I will probably go with Intel integrated graphics, X3100, in either the Thinkpad or Dell since it is 'out of the box' and I won't be gaming. I might try Compiz and stuff like that but I was told that the Intel graphics should be adequate for that?

I read that the Thinkpad's screen doesn't offer much brightness (dim screen). What about that issue? Any other issues with either notebook and with those under consideration, which laptop would you choose?

I also thought the LED screen of the Dell was a huge benefit. It makes the notebook lighter and would produce less heat. How does the Thinkpad screen compare?

Thanks for the replies so far, guys! I think Ubuntu would be good on either laptop so much of the comparison regards quality and features. However, I am impressed with the Thinkpad Wiki and I discovered that Dell has pages dedicated to the install of Ubuntu. I just don't which to choose although I have always configured the Thinkpad v.s. Dell and the Thinkpad always comes out cheaper. How much more weight does the Thinkpad have and is it portable at all (in comparison)? I won't be lugging it everywhere but I will be taking it places.

Specifically, with the Dell XPS M1330, the 128mb nVidia GeForce 8400M GS and the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG have absolutely NO support "out of the box".

BOTH need heavy configuration, and I couldn't get mine to work at all. Of course, a linux power user probably could, but if that isn't you, i'd stay clear.

[jrharvey]

Dell XPS 1530. Everything works out of the box. I LOVE THIS LAPPY

[jrharvey]

Specifically, with the Dell XPS M1330, the 128mb nVidia GeForce 8400M GS and the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG have absolutely NO support "out of the box".

BOTH need heavy configuration, and I couldn't get mine to work at all. Of course, a linux power user probably could, but if that isn't you, i'd stay clear.

I had no problems with the 1530 but the vid card was different.

[jrharvey]

my Dell Xps M1530 Is A Great Laptop On Which 64-bit Ubuntu 8.04 works Great (http://jesperdj.pbwiki.com/ubuntu+on+the+dell+xps+m1530).
Yesssssssss :)

[SeePU]

I think the Intel wireless mini card is the 4965agn. Did the thread you posted in help you at all?:
http://ohioloco.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=811879&page=2

I'll probably go with the Intel integrated graphics and whatever option offers the Intel wireless 4965. I think the Dell has that option now. I wish they gave more details/info instead of merely stating it's a 'Mini card.'

Btw, did you try Hardy 8.04? I'm wondering if it's a drivers (in the Kernel?) problem that the latest Ubuntu might have solved.

I think the Nvidia graphics problem has to do with Nvidia and the fact they don't release 'proper' drivers? The drivers are proprietary or whatever, right? I think it doesn't matter which distro or laptop you use, that the same installation headaches would occur. But, I'm only guessing.

[Polygon]

I just got a compaq presario F700 (model number F767NR) and ubuntu works perfectly with it. I had to install the nvidia drivers using envy and compile the 'HAL' branch of madwifi to get the wireless to work, but other then that it works perfectly. Im loving it.

[Kernel Sanders]

I think the Intel wireless mini card is the 4965agn. Did the thread you posted in help you at all?:
http://ohioloco.ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=811879&page=2

I'll probably go with the Intel integrated graphics and whatever option offers the Intel wireless 4965. I think the Dell has that option now. I wish they gave more details/info instead of merely stating it's a 'Mini card.'

Btw, did you try Hardy 8.04? I'm wondering if it's a drivers (in the Kernel?) problem that the latest Ubuntu might have solved.

I think the Nvidia graphics problem has to do with Nvidia and the fact they don't release 'proper' drivers? The drivers are proprietary or whatever, right? I think it doesn't matter which distro or laptop you use, that the same installation headaches would occur. But, I'm only guessing.

My experience was with hardy, and if you search the forums, i'm not the only one with this issue. Ironically it seems to be the new kernel with the new intel drivers that are causing the problem!

Unless you're a power user, Hardy is impossible to set up with the XPS M1330 with the hardware I specified.

[rohitsb]

Hello,

I've used IBM machines for over 4 years now - T30, T40, T42 and T61. The T-series is probably the toughest machine to break. However, that said, I'm not a big fan of the T61. I'm currently using it, but I feel it's flimsier than my favorite - The T42. It has occassional problems going into and coming out of sleep. And I'm referring to problems with Windows. This is not to say that the T61 is a bad choice. Even a bad build quality from IBM outstrips most other good-quality laptops. I'm just being picky 'cos I've used their laptops all the time.

I've currently installed Kubuntu 8.04 as a Wubi on the T61. The stuff worked out of the box - touchpad, wireless, gfx, USB, Optical drive etc. So, to summarize, the Linux experience has been good, but not so thrilled about the build-quality of the laptop compared to the previous few T-series models.

The other laptop I'm using is the Acer AS5920. I'm running Ubuntu 8.04, again as a Wubi. I can confirm that most of the stuff worked out of the box, especially support for nVidia 8600M gfx card, but I haven't tried HDMI, memory card, etc. The only problem was with the additional features of the synaptics pad, but that can be fixed with some manual fiddling. Overall, I'd say that an Acer is a good bang-for-the-buck kinda laptop, if you don't mind sacrificing some portability.

Note that 7.10, which is pre-installed on Dell, is not an LTS edition. So the updates will end sooner than Hardy. To install Hardy, you will have to zap the 7.10 'cos upgrading has led to issues. Also, I wonder why, don't the prices of the Linux Dell machines exceed that of the Windows machines ?

Also note that there have been issues reported on the nVidia 9 series due to unavailability of the drivers in the repositories.

Well, hope you have the information required to make an informed decision.

May the force be with you !!

[Ioky]

i hear that the ideapad from lenovo also has a very good support with linux. I will get one myself later

[SeePU]

Hello,

The other laptop I'm using is the Acer AS5920. I'm running Ubuntu 8.04, again as a Wubi. I can confirm that most of the stuff worked out of the box, especially support for nVidia 8600M gfx card, but I haven't tried HDMI, memory card, etc. The only problem was with the additional features of the synaptics pad, but that can be fixed with some manual fiddling. Overall, I'd say that an Acer is a good bang-for-the-buck kinda laptop, if you don't mind sacrificing some portability.

Note that 7.10, which is pre-installed on Dell, is not an LTS edition. So the updates will end sooner than Hardy. To install Hardy, you will have to zap the 7.10 'cos upgrading has led to issues. Also, I wonder why, don't the prices of the Linux Dell machines exceed that of the Windows machines ?

Also note that there have been issues reported on the nVidia 9 series due to unavailability of the drivers in the repositories.

Well, hope you have the information required to make an informed decision.

May the force be with you !!
Customizing with Ubuntu pre-installed results in less hardware options or it's cheaper since the specs aren't as powerful (e.g. cpu). I think an 'Ubuntu pre-installed' machine is cheaper, too, because many users will choose Windows. For now, anyway.

I think newer or more recent Nvidia graphics chips will result in lack of support or slow support. Hasn't it always been that way? It will take time until it's available. I don't need the laptop for gaming anyway so I'm mostly looking at Intel graphics. I have a desktop that has a decent Nvidia card if I ever wanted to game.

I've read that the more recent Thinkpads aren't up to standards with previous versions. Dare I say it has something to do with Lenovo?

The Acer sounds interesting but I really don't want to go bigger than a 14" screen. I need it to be portable or at least I'd like it to be. I still think it's between the Thinkpad and Dell. There will be more info and discussions about how to 'configure this and that' with those machines. That's my theory, anyway.

[rohitsb]

@SeePU,

Is the deflated quality of T61 because of Lenovo ? It'd be the easier explanation, but no - I think the problems go a little deeper than that. In its bid to capture the home market, Lenovo is venturing into areas for which they are not ready. Example - Earlier, you'd get a stereo sound on T42 and that's it. With T61, you get a HD surround. Why would an office laptop (which was the original purpose of IBM) require this ? Besides, something has gone wrong, and now only my left speaker works. Of course, this might be my one-off experience, but once bitten, twice shy. It seems that they using the bough technology to do stuff that it was not intended to do.

If you want portability, Acer is definitely not for you, unless you choose their upper end models. So if it's a toss-up between Dell and Thinkpad, I'd feel Dell would be a little cheaper and better oriented for the home market. There is also a wider community offering support on Dell and the fact that it comes pre-loaded means that drivers exist, you'd just have to find them.

My .02 worth !!

RSB

[Jim!]

What do you guys mean by drivers? The respective sound/webcam etc. drivers or which drivers?

I suspect none of the manufacturers have decent availability of drivers. Possibly Dell but it might depend on which model of Dells? Lenovo Thinkpads might work well in Linux but I always thought it was a case of individual hardware components and whether the manufacturer provided open source drivers or had good proprietary drivers.

I need good functioning video and wireless so I thought I would be okay as long as I have Intel integrated graphics X3100 or maybe Nvidia 8400M GS (with much tweaking) might work okay?

As for wireless, I will only accept a laptop with Intel 4965agn since I read it works out of the box.

I'm looking into financing my purchase through my company so I'm not sure I can buy via online. If so, then I have many options including the Dells and Lenovos. If not, then I have restricted options.

If I need to buy from a store or retailer, I am looking at two main notebooks:

Sony Vaio CR420 14" T8100, 3GB RAM, X3100, Intel 4965agn
and
Asus Asus 14" F8SN-B1 Notebook ---- Intel Core 2 Duo T8100, 3G RAM, NVidia G9500M GS 512MB,250G, DVD+/-RW,802.11A/G/N, 14" WXGA

Can anyone comment on these choices and/or suggest others (preferably, ones that would be available from a retail store or someeplace in which I could discuss the sale with a seller in person. I am hoping I can arrange the transaction even if it's online but I'll see.

If there are any other brands that have similar specs to those above and are available locally (I'm in CANADA), please list them.

Thanks!

Oh yeah, for additional info or more details of what I'm looking for, please take a quick read here:
[URL="http://If I need to buy from a store or retailer, I am looking at two main notebooks:http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=822640

Sony Vaio CR420 14" T8100, 3GB RAM, X3100, Intel 4965agn
and
Asus Asus 14" F8SN-B1 Notebook ---- Intel Core 2 Duo T8100, 3G RAM, NVidia G9500M GS 512MB,250G, DVD+/-RW,802.11A/G/N, 14" WXGA"]http://If I need to buy from a store or retailer, I am looking at two main notebooks:http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=822640

Sony Vaio CR420 14" T8100, 3GB RAM, X3100, Intel 4965agn
and
http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=822640

I've been using Ubuntu on a Sony VAIO for about a year 9 and it has worked almost flawlessly, wireless worked from the get-go, graphics card worked beautifully as soon as I installed the restricted graphics driver - everything worked a breeze, still works a breeze! Only problem I've had is in the transition from 7.10 to 8.04 had a bit of a problem with the built in ProDuo reader but other then that it works almost perfectly.
I highly recommend a VAIO with Ubuntu.

[Robux the great]

I have a Toshiba A200 and Hardy works just fine

Compiz is set up and looks awesome

Regards

Rob

[tom66]

I have a Dell Inspiron 1300, everything worked out of the box but plenty of problems with the actual laptop (bottom panel fell off).

[OffHand]

dell Xps 1530. Everything Works Out Of The Box. I Love This Lappy

+1

[Jim!]

By the looks of it Ubuntu will probably work fine on just about any laptop out there!

[SeePU]

I've been using Ubuntu on a Sony VAIO for about a year 9 and it has worked almost flawlessly, wireless worked from the get-go, graphics card worked beautifully as soon as I installed the restricted graphics driver - everything worked a breeze, still works a breeze!
I highly recommend a VAIO with Ubuntu.
Which VAIO model? There's a bunch of them. The CR-series has a number of issues which is why I shifted to the Dells and Thinkpads (as my candidates).

I like the SZ Vaios (13.3" w/ LED screen) but they are so expensive (2K+).

[techmarks]

It's true about the Thinkpad screen, if I'm in the bright sunny room the
screen does look sort of washed out, on brightest setting.
Not a problem in the darker room.

I hope Lenovo doesn't ruin the Thinkpad line.

[sunny_nwho]

I have a Acer Aspire 4520 and Hardy works perfect with little tweaks for the wifi.

[hanzomon4]

Not sure if it's been said but Apple laptops work perfectly with tweaking. It's work but not impossible, you have to compile things and edit files but everything works fine here. That said if you're buying a laptop go with a Dell-buntu or System76, save yourself some pain and support Ubuntu oems.

[i_love_AMY_MACDONALD]

i heard Dell has some major lawsuit against them about fraud, so i'm not so sure i want to buy a Dell..
what is the lawsuit about? did canonical file it against Dell?

[i_love_AMY_MACDONALD]

so what specifications should i check for in the laptop, so that it works well with Ubuntu, which i'll buy in the next 2 months?

[scottmakus]

Toshiba Satellite A200-AH3 worked perfect w/ gutsy and hardy. Only 'problem' was wireless, but the links for the madwifi patching worked flawlessly. A bit of a pain with this, as every time kernel get an update, madwifi needs to be re-compiled again.

[KingTermite]

?

I didn't know about Ubuntu Dells, but at the time I got my laptop (about 3 months ago) I wasn't planning on full time Linux. I planned to get a windows computer and had a notion to dual boot with Linux.

I got a Dell Inspiron 1720.

It came with vista and ran Vista like shl+. I had plenty of blue screens, hang ups on reboot, shut down, hibernation (when hibernation worked at all), etc....

I rolled it back to XP, and did not get all the devices working. Modem still doesn't work, but I didn't worry, I never plan to use a modem.

Then I put Ubuntu 8.04 on. Haven't had any significant problems at all. It seems to run 8.04 great. I hear a lot of people with problems with 8.04, but it has worked for me with little issues from day 1.

It definitely seems happier with Ubuntu than Windows. I have had less problems from Ubuntu than I have with Windows, and now its probably has twice as much runtime on Ubuntu as it does on Windows.

[Lord Xeb]

IBM/Levono laptops work well with it. Though you will not have the HDAPS anymore e_e

[jimbosheep101]

dell inspiron 6400

i have it it is a very good lappy for running linux on
the only thing that lets it down is its poor linux patch for its wifi card wifi (in ubuntu)
but the wifi is ok as long as u dont have thick walls in ur house

dell have now discontinued this laptop but i think u can still get it of ebuyer

[jespdj]

I would warn against the dell XPS M1330 unless you are a linux power user. I have the intel wireless card, and the dedicated 128mb nVidia graphics card, and I can't get either to work properly and I have poor sound quality.
I had an XPS M1330 before I sold it and got the M1530. My 1330 also had an Intel 4965 wireless card and an nVidia 8400M GS with 128 MB. It worked without any problems with Gutsy (Ubuntu 7.10).
Specifically, with the Dell XPS M1330, the 128mb nVidia GeForce 8400M GS and the Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 3945ABG have absolutely NO support "out of the box".

BOTH need heavy configuration, and I couldn't get mine to work at all. Of course, a linux power user probably could, but if that isn't you, i'd stay clear.
I had no problems with the nVidia card (just enable the restricted driver). I had the Intel 4965 wireless card and it worked out of the box on the M1330 (and also does on the M1530).

[TwiceOver]

Dell Inspiron 1501. All in I have paid $465. My dad bought the same laptop and after XP Pro Upgrade and Office 2003 he is just above the $800 mark.

Everything worked out of the box except screen brightness, but there is a How-To to fix that. I think the comparable current model is the Vostro 15xx.

[MONODA]

I would say get a thinkpad, almost all thinkpad owners say that it works perfectly with ubuntu and linux in general. They are also great computers.

[aroth87]

I've got a Thinkpad R61 that works great with Ubuntu. Can't beat the keyboard on it either. Its really nice to use.

Adam

[T2manner]

i was looking at the Thinkpads and they look way to expensive for the specs they have.
i mean it was just ridiculous.
a 1gig ram and 80gig hdd with a low quality processor for a lot.
so i probably won't get one of those.

i'll probably end up with a Dell or something else because of the prices.

but is Intel Pentium Dual-Core a good processor?
i've seen it everywhere, but i've been a bit weary about getting it.

[LaRoza]

The lowest priced thinkpad is less than $600. It has good specs and a good processor (Core 2 Duo).

You want to see bad prices? Look at Apple...

Intel Pentium Dual-Core is not a good processor. Anything less than a Core 2 (for Intel processors) is a bad deal.

Although they may have faster speeds at first glance, Pentiums run hot, inefficient, and slow compared to Core 2 Duos. So getting a "slow" Core 2 Duo is a better deal than any Pentium, especially on a laptop.

[T2manner]

acutually the thinkpad that is cheaper than 600 is Intel Celeron 540 haha.
with 80 gigs of hdd
and 1gig of ram

the cheapest intel core duo is 740

that's bad isn't it?
i don't have much experience with good computers/laptops.
i've only used 2 in my lifetime and both are low quality.
well the one i'm on now is 80gig hdd pentium 4 and 1gig ram and it sucks outloud.

[T2manner]

BuMp

[PmDematagoda]

Not sure if you can buy this model anymore, but the HP V3005TU is a rather good laptop though the only cons(for me) was it's 512Mb of RAM and it comes with XP Home. The laptop has Linux friendly specs since it worked out-of-the-box with Fedora 9(I am pretty sure it is friendly with Ubuntu as well but I can try it if you want), it has Intel wireless and VGA, 60Gb HDD, 512Mb RAM, memory card slots and pretty much everything you may want with a lappy.

[dochawk]

I just got a compaq presario F700 (model number F767NR) and ubuntu works perfectly with it. I had to install the nvidia drivers using envy and compile the 'HAL' branch of madwifi to get the wireless to work, but other then that it works perfectly. Im loving it.

Could you please give some more hints on this part?

I bought this one this morning, and most of the installation was flawless.

It didn't select the nvidia on the restricted drivers, and only came up in 800x600 until I clicked that, and I still haven't figured out the "right" way to turn on sshd, but the only other glitch is the wireless.

It's been a long time since I last dealt with Debian source package.

hmm, and I also seem to have a horrible keyboard problem which seems to manifest by mysterious tabs and scrolling (twice in this sentence!).

hawk

[DougieFresh4U]

Do not get a Sony. Whatever you do, do not get a Sony.

Exactly, as my Sony is just collecting dust. I'm to lazy to pick it up and put it in the TRASH!!

[jwkolberg]

My girlfriend's toshiba satellite works perfectly. Did not have to configure anything, all hardware worked with a vanilla install of ubuntu 8.04, cheap computer also...

[Midwest-Linux]

Compaq 762NR Vista laptop.

Don't use Wubi, but shrink the hard drive using the Vista shrink partition program. Then install Ubuntu 8.04 on the freed space. The wireless is the Atheros 5007 and a simple command or two in the terminal will install the wireless. I have seen this laptop on sale in May at Staples for $399 and Best Buy (about two or three weeks ago) also for $399.

Besides this is a dual core with 1 gig Ram and its a good performer for Ubuntu and if you hack and modify the Vista start up programs and some running apps, you can almost get it to match XP's performance.

Just watch the Ubuntu updates as it will kill the wireless and mess up add/remove, though those functions can easily be restored through a couple of commands.

[T2manner]

Actually, I decided to get a Thinkpad R61i.
It's got all Intel drivers so it should work out of the box with ubuntu and run very very good.

[dai_vernon]

I just got a compaq presario F700 (model number F767NR) and ubuntu works perfectly with it. I had to install the nvidia drivers using envy and compile the 'HAL' branch of madwifi to get the wireless to work, but other then that it works perfectly. Im loving it.

Could you clarify this for me too? Trying to get wireless to work on my new presario f767NR is killing me inside!

[Midwest-Linux]

Buy the way, regarding the Compaq 762NR laptop. It uses the Atheros 5007 wireless. For what its worth the 762NR is on sale again for $399 this week at two places. Check your Sunday papers.


The script to put in the terminal is as follows.

http://blog.linuxoss.com/2008/05/ubuntu-804-enabling-atheros-ar5007-based-wireless/


For 32-bit Users

1. First go to System–>Administration–>Hardware Drivers” and disable by un-ticking the following option:

Atheros Hardware Access Layer (Hal)

Reboot your system.

2. Preparing your system

sudo apt-get install build-essential

Then open the terminal from Applications–>Accessories–>Terminal and copy the following command

wget http://snapshots.madwifi.org/special/madwifi-ng-r2756+ar5007.tar.gz

tar xfz madwifi-ng-r2756+ar5007.tar.gz

cd madwifi-ng-r2756+ar5007

make

sudo make install

sudo modprobe ath_pci

sudo reboot

That’s it now your wireless should work without any problem.

[dai_vernon]

destructive edit: Never mind about the problem, advice from the linked article has solved it. Thanks so much!!

[rtrahan]

I fret over that exact question for a while. I wanted it pre-installed cause i'm relatively new to Linux. I looked at Dell, but, went with System76. They build computers specifically for Linux. I got it with Ubuntu and have not had any problems at all. Wireless works first time everytime and I'm getting more comfortable with terminal.