Linux laptops?

[Silent Warrior]

I'm currently toying with the idea of getting myself a Linux-powered laptop, and got away with this link: http://tuxmobil.org/reseller.html

Now, there's no need to rush - IF this will happen, it will be during the summer. So, anyway, I'm presently using my mother's laptop - far from my home and desktop(s). This doesn't feel right on a couple of levels, and since Linux is just plain loads more fun than WinXP Home32... Well, you know.
The list at the link seems to have just so ridiculously much that I'm NOT looking for - about five seemed to actually sell laptops with Linux (one German place even without pre-installed OS). Do you have any tips for me? Maybe even a shop in Sweden (where I mean to spend my summer: Gothenburg be HOME)? I've been unable to see Dell's array of Ubuntu-laptops - they're all listed as containing 'Genuine Windows Vista' or XP. HP/Compaq not yet investigated. But I'll go there just now, so you probably won't need to tell me about them.

Let the ideas surge forth!

[Bölvaður]

I have yet to find out how to order laptops like xps m1330 and Dell Inspiron Mini 9 (with ubuntu) on iceland or sweden.

There are tons of netbooks running linux in Iceland, but the price might not be at it's best...
The closest to a linux laptop I can find for you is:

http://www.rglug.org/archive/msg03221.html (http://www.rglug.org/archive/msg03221.html)
It states that the people at tölvulistinn might be trained to know which computers are linux ready.

Tölvuvirkni sells ubuntu cds for 10kr (that's about $0.09)

So perhaps you can ask the people in those shops if they can refund windows (which they are obligated to do, but are reluctant to do it as they get less money if they do). And if you get it refunded you may want to ask for compatibility.

Perhaps you should ask some swedish linux user groups (http://www.linux.org/groups/sweden.html)

[Silent Warrior]

Hm... That didn't seem to provide an immediate shopping-place, but I'll ask the gang at linux.nu.

Hey! Tölvuvirkni has a used laptop for a pretty low penny. Nothing flashy, but it is something. Comes with XP SP3, though...

[smartboyathome]

Try ZaReason and System76. I especially like ZaReason, as they are willing to work with you to create a laptop suited for your needs.

[Eviltechie]

Dell's open source PCs

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/ubuntu?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=anavml

[Bölvaður]

Dell's open source PCs

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/ubuntu?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=anavml

usa only isn't it?

[Twitch6000]

This link might help you.

http://www.linux-laptop.net/

If you also Google custom Linux laptops or laptops with Linux you can find decency results.

[cb951303]

here is an idea:
http://www.zareason.com/shop/product.php?productid=16195&cat=0&page=1
this laptop sold by ZaReason is rebranded "Compal JHL90". Some other linux laptop companies sell it too. The beauty about it, a lot of small/unknown companies rebrand Compal too. Just take a good look to that picture and go to the biggest computer shop in town, I'm sure you will spot it right away. Be careful with the wireless and video card choice though since they can vary from one reseller to another.

[Greg]

You could always build your own a la a laptop shell.

[gn2]

In the UK:

http://www.linuxemporium.co.uk/products/laptops/
http://www.dell.co.uk/ubuntu

[Silent Warrior]

ZaReason looks really good indeed, but being swedish, I'd really prefer a more credible chance for a swedish keyboard to go with it...

Greg: What's this about 'Laptop shell'? Never heard of that before - is it anything like constructing your own desktop-PC?

Good links from all of you. Kudos!

[swoll1980]

From what I've found, your better off buying a Windows laptop, and installing Linux after. You will save a couple hundred dollars this way. Unless support is important to you, this is the way to go.

[Silent Warrior]

Hm... I've never had an issue that actually required support (although the registry-hacking needed to upgrade IE on this computer needed tips from MS's Technet-forums - go figure) with any computer - home-built or away-built. That would certainly be easier to find, though. Plus, there'd be the Windows installation-disc in case it's needed some day... but it wouldn't be 100% Linux. Not as classy, that.

But ordering a laptop from the UK seems the least half-assed option so far.

[Greg]

ZaReason looks really good indeed, but being swedish, I'd really prefer a more credible chance for a swedish keyboard to go with it...

Greg: What's this about 'Laptop shell'? Never heard of that before - is it anything like constructing your own desktop-PC?

Good links from all of you. Kudos!

Yup: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&SubCategory=773&N=2010030773&SpeTabStoreType=1

Take something like one of those, add the necessary parts.

[Silent Warrior]

Huh. How about that? But do I make any actual assembly in person with that arrangement? I feel a little nervous about poking around with something that small...
Well, whatever! If I can find such a deal in Sweden, I'm all over it!

[mips]

Well, whatever! If I can find such a deal in Sweden, I'm all over it!

Last time I checked Asus had barebone laptops which you could configure to your liking.

[gn2]

Barebones laptop + required components all bought at retail prices = very expensive.

[Silent Warrior]

Sorry to dig this out of the depths of oblivion, but there have been... developments.

In a store near me I've discovered a Toshiba Sat. Pro L300-1CZ, priced at about $744 14.00 GMT 6/4 (the ISK seems a bit... mobile these days). Unfortunately, it comes with Vista. (But, what the hell? LIVE-CDs r teh win!) As for my worries that the keyboard might be all icelandic and patently w3rd, it seems to have a trans-scandinavian keyboard - both swedish, icelandic, and danish/norwegian glyphs are present. (Well, I say 'both', but you get the idea...)
The processor is an Intel C2D T3200, 2 GHz and looks like 64-bit-capable (AMD is easier to decipher...), 160 Gb HD... but you guys are no doubt well capable of finding all that out on your own.
My needs aren't really extravagant (though I'd feel better about being secure for the future with a 64-bit dual-core CPU with a fair bit of RAM to go with it) - as long as it can power Firefox, OO.o, and whatever music-player, I'm just fine and dandy. It WOULD be fun to play a game now and then, of course, but, well, my taste is rather dated, so to speak (toss Quake Wars at me and I'll Judo-Chop(tm) it to shreds). Yep, Linux will be among the first things to enter its HD. :)
(I'm planning some distro-promiscuity in the near future, so 'Ubuntu+=1' is no guarantee.)

What say you? Good buy? Something else I'll need to know?