Need tech support or somewhere I can buy a Linux ready laptop in Australia

[paulravin]

Hi, I am on my second brand new computer in 4 weeks, I am trying to run Ubuntu 14.04 and am just getting problems. Does anyone know where I can get tech support to solve problems or do the install or where I can buy a linux pre loaded laptop in Australia?


Normal shops / tech support services do not / can not help with Linux, US based linux pre installed laptop shops will not post to Australia.


Linux now have linux pre loaded laptops at 2 x the price, worked with tech support, he emailed me a heap of commands to run on my Acer Aspire V7-582p trying to get the screen working got nowhere, tried remote access to my acer, failed to connect to it and I am waiting for a reply as to what next. I think he is just too busy for a seemingly difficult screen not working problem.


I can run the Acer V7 on windows or live CD, thought it would all be great, looked up compatibility with Ubuntu on forums it is noted as compatible, tested the machine in shop with live CD all great, get it home load up 14.04 and no screen.


My last computer was a HP pravilion split, had problems galore, 6 posts up here, none solved, then keyboard stopped working and HP refunded my cash. Can highly recommend HP for customer support.


Any contacts for Ubuntu tech support in Aus or places to buy linux ready / pre loaded machines greatly appreciated!

[tgalati4]

I would look for a local linux user's group. Go to their meetings and they might be able to set you up. It would be nice to have world-wide availability of linux laptops, but the market doesn't exist yet. So we take second-hand Thinkpads and put linux on them and move on. Linux compatibility tends to favor machines that are 2 or 3 years old.

[paulravin]

I had a new Toshiba and it worked fine for 3 years, no problems! I would just go buy another toshiba but am 2 new computers shy to spend more money without some assurance.

[Frogs Hair]

If you have pre-installed windows with UEFI see the links

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UEFIBooting

http://askubuntu.com/questions/221835/installing-ubuntu-on-a-pre-installed-windows-8-64-bit-system-uefi-supported

Ubuntu Loaded System 76 computers are available down under.

https://system76.com/laptops/ubuntu

https://system76.com/home/shippinginformation/

[gdesilva]

Ubuntu Loaded System 76 computers are available down under.

https://system76.com/laptops/ubuntu

https://system76.com/home/shippinginformation/

It is pity that there is almost no difference in pricing compared to brand name PCs with Windows. I guess Microsoft must be giving away Windows to OEMs for zilch!

[mastablasta]

My last computer was a HP pravilion split, had problems galore, 6 posts up here, none solved, then keyboard stopped working and HP refunded my cash. Can highly recommend HP for customer support.


Any contacts for Ubuntu tech support in Aus or places to buy linux ready / pre loaded machines greatly appreciated!


actually HP here sells some business laptops with linux preloaded (SUSE Enterprise linux). there are many HP that are ubuntu certified. so their support while not great for linux is quite descent. and for some things i am not blaming them (e.g. things that worked in 12.04 but do not work in 14.04 are clearly kernel issues).

anyway depends on what kind of laptop you are after check the certified page, check the google for models... i am sure you will find someting with HP or Lenovo. business models have less GPU power but are usually more sturdy built and many companies sell those as linux workstations to go with their linux powered servers. they usually do not look so fancy though... but it's not like i am buying it to use as paperweight or decoration piece.

by the way i have small HP pavilion Dm1 works nicely, worked excelent in 12.04 (all out of the box). i had to use some workarorunds for 14.04. a forum older with a bit older model is not so lucky. new model is Ubuntu certified.

[sudodus]

I would look for a local linux user's group. Go to their meetings and they might be able to set you up. It would be nice to have world-wide availability of linux laptops, but the market doesn't exist yet. So we take second-hand Thinkpads and put linux on them and move on. Linux compatibility tends to favor machines that are 2 or 3 years old.

@paulravin,

It is a good idea to look for a second hand professional class computer. In my country several companies wipe the disk, check the computer and sell computers that fit into tgalati4's category with good linux compatibility. Browse the internet for such a company in your country and see what they can offer :-)

[paulravin]

Everything on this Acer V7 now works. It took me 1 week of half days, communication with 5 different tech support / linux savy people, lots of trawling the web, posting messages etc to get the screen working.


Fixed now, just so releaved to not have to go back to the continual headache that is windows. Thank you Acer tech support, credit where credit is due, the guys at Acer out of scope technical support (From Australia 1800 144 519) worked out why my screen would not work and how to fix it in 10 min. They charge $75 and it was worth every cent.


When trying to fix a HP I also found the best and fastest way to solve problems was HP tech support, threats of warranty voiding bla bla but they fixed my computer issues where no one else could.