Which Laptop?

[bluenova]

I've been a desktop user for years (building my own) but it looks like I may need to move in with my Mum for a few months and she doesn't have space for my desktop setup so I'm going to have to get a laptop.

Based on budget and required specs I've whittled it down to a choice of two:

Samsung 350V5C 15.6-inch Laptop (Silver) - (Intel Core i7 3630QM 2.4GHz Processor, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, DVDSM DL, LAN, WLAN, BT, Webcam, Integrated Graphics, Windows 8)
Lenovo Ideapad Z580 15.6 inch Laptop-Gunmetal (Intel Core i7-3520, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, DVDRW, LAN, WLAN, BT, Webcam, Integrated Graphics, Windows 8)

As you can see they both have similar specs and they are both currently £599 on Amazon.

The Samsung reportedly has random build quality issues (but I could always exchange if I get a duff one) also the touchpad apparently feels a bit cheap. The screen though is matt and anti-reflective (big plus) and it has better processor.
The Lenovo reportedly has good build quality and a great keyboard/touchpad but the screen is apparently very reflective.

Does anyone have any experience with Ubuntu on these? I've seen a few posts regarding the Lenovo so I guess the Lenovo is easy enough to deal with Secure boot but I haven't read anything regarding the Samsung.

[ajgreeny]

Do you have to have windows on the machine?

If it is not needed and you don't want a dual boot have a look at Novatech and PCSpecialist, both of whom produce great hardware and will let you have a machine without windows, saving you cash, though those prices seem very good..

[cortman]

You do yourself a favor getting integrated graphics.
Lenovo/Thinkpad build quality is supposed to be legendary. I assume that carries over to the Ideapad.

[cprofitt]

Being honest I have no experience with Samsung, but I am not a fan of the Ideapad line from Lenovo. I am a huge fan of the Thinkpad series from Lenovo though. The other brand I like is Asus, but you do have to ensure compatibility.

[matt_symes]

Being honest I have no experience with Samsung, but I am not a fan of the Ideapad line from Lenovo. I am a huge fan of the Thinkpad series from Lenovo though. The other brand I like is Asus, but you do have to ensure compatibility.

oih ! There's nothing wrong with an Ideapad

Posting from one now

[mips]

I would rather go for a Thinkpad, Asus or Macbook Pro. I would prefer a nVidia GPU if it's my only PC.

[kurt18947]

I would rather go for a Thinkpad, Asus or Macbook Pro. I would prefer a nVidia GPU if it's my only PC.

Yup, Intel or nVidia GPU and not the hybrid - Optimus or the AMD equivalent. There is a fix to enable hybrid graphics but the fix seems works for some and not for others. I'm a fan of Thinkpads but the ones I have are from when IBM was still involved with Lenovo in design and maybe production. Personally I'd stay away from shiny/glary screens. I find it real annoying to have overhead lights or the sun reflecting on the display.

[divergex]

I have had very good experiences with IdeaPads. Used one for myself and it worked flawlessly with Ubuntu. The only thing that did not work out of the box was the Realtek memory card reader and that was solved with a driver. My next laptop will most likely be an IdeaPad. My son had an IdeaPad as well with Windows and he had no issues either, and he tends to be rough on electronics. Unfortunately I have never used a Samsung with Ubuntu but be sure to look up the specific model. If I remember correctly (and someone please correct me if I am mistaken) some Samsung models had/have issues with secure boot causing problems for Ubuntu.

[mips]

Yup, Intel or nVidia GPU and not the hybrid..

Depends on your distro I think. I think Manjaro for example will configure that for you out of the box for nVidia.

[pqwoerituytrueiwoq]

i am pretty happy with my notebook (link in signature)
just have to use acpi_osi='!Windows' in the kernel boot line for raring ringtail (13.04)
i have upgraded the storage in it, 320gb wd black drive and a 60gb mushkin chronos deluxe ssd (removed the dvd burner for the ssd)