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Thread: what should I know before purchase notebook

  1. #1
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    Question what should I know before purchase notebook

    Hi all!

    I plan to use Ubuntu only.
    What should I know before purchase notebook?
    I've heard some models can not change brightness, so it's bad when working on battery.
    What else? Maybe someone can advise me model that you use with Ubuntu without any issues?

  2. #2
    iMac71 is offline Gee! These Aren't Roasted!
    Join Date
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    Re: what should I know before purchase notebook

    Accordingly to the following post:
    http://askubuntu.com/questions/16281.../162821#162821
    the best laptops seem to be the System76 ones:
    https://www.system76.com/laptops/

  3. #3
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    Re: what should I know before purchase notebook

    Pay attention to the graphics card. Nvidia typically works, although it can be some work to get it started, ATI is less save concerning video drivers. Intel has a good reputation too.

    Wifi drivers can also be a problem. I've seen quite a lot of complaints about broadcom. It may work after downloading proprietary drivers, for which you'll need a wired connection. It's best to have one available anyway when installing. My Atheros worked out of the box.

  4. #4
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    Re: what should I know before purchase notebook

    pay attention in processor too...
    there are some processor that can't hibernate or there are error when shutdown..
    better choose a popular processor..

  5. #5
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    Re: what should I know before purchase notebook

    Avoid Broadcom wifi if at all possible. Atheros and Intel chipsets are a better bet, with Ralink next.

    You can almost always change the brightness from the keyboard regardless of the operating system. There is usually an Fn key combination to increase/decrease brightness, usually designated with little lightbulb icons on the keys.

    If you intend to watch high-definition video or play demanding games, you'll probably want an NVIDIA card. I'd avoid ATI.

    If you go to a store to look at machines, bring a CD or USB key with Ubuntu installed and see if you can get the salesperson to let you boot from that device. Then use the "Try Ubuntu" mode to check out whether everything works.
    If you ask for help, do not abandon your request. Please have the courtesy to check for responses and thank the people who helped you.

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  6. #6
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    Re: what should I know before purchase notebook

    My Lenovo Thinkpad L420 worked like a charm with Ubuntu
    With the Intel Graphics 3000 and the Intel Network card.. though if you are going to use stuff like aircrack and such .. it ain't to good..

  7. #7
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    Ubuntu 12.10 Quantal Quetzal

    Re: what should I know before purchase notebook

    Yeah, using Intel Graphics 3000 right now.

    Seems to run "out of the box"
    While ATI and Nvidia may perform better for the hard core gamers, Intel seems to work without any effort from the user. You just install Ubuntu, and it works.

    Nvidia and ATI may need proprietary drivers to function well.

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    Re: what should I know before purchase notebook

    I tried an Asus eeepc years ago, it worked flawlessly so I've only purchased the eeepc line since then and (touch wood) never had a hardware problem and everything has worked out of the box
    Catch me on Freenode - imark

  9. #9
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    Re: what should I know before purchase notebook

    Quote Originally Posted by CaptainMark View Post
    I tried an Asus eeepc years ago, it worked flawlessly so I've only purchased the eeepc line since then and (touch wood) never had a hardware problem and everything has worked out of the box
    LOL, My wife and I both have Eee's.

    Both running old 10.04 Netbook Remix, since its awesome!!!
    (Still sad that they pulled the plug on NBR)

    But I think the only issue we had was getting the Fn keys working, which fixed it self via updates over a short time.

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