Girlfriend Is Buying A Laptop. She is getting Ubuntu. I have questions...

[tdrusk]

I think she is going to get something like this.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8661897&type=product&id=1196470790599

I searched on here and couldn't find anything about installing Ubuntu on this...

Which version of Ubuntu should I use? 64 or 32 bit? I know very little about processors and the 64 bit version of Ubuntu. Are their as many necessary programs for 64 bit as 32 bit for the average user?

Does the hardware look like it will work well with Ubuntu? Anything I should worry about not working in Gutsy/Hardy?

Well I guess that's about it. I talked her into Ubuntu by assuring her we can save Vista on a CD and it's all safe. I showed her all the great programs and how everything works well. She liked it and the no virus feature too.
:guitar:

[hhhhhx]

I think she is going to get something like this.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8661897&type=product&id=1196470790599

I searched on here and couldn't find anything about installing Ubuntu on this...

Which version of Ubuntu should I use? 64 or 32 bit? I know very little about processors and the 64 bit version of Ubuntu. Are their as many necessary programs for 64 bit as 32 bit for the average user?

Does the hardware look like it will work well with Ubuntu? Anything I should worry about not working in Gutsy/Hardy?

Well I guess that's about it. I talked her into Ubuntu by assuring her we can save Vista on a CD and it's all safe. I showed her all the great programs and how everything works well. She liked it and the no virus feature too.
:guitar:

32 bit, and yes it should run ubuntu just fine :)

[tdrusk]

32 bit, and yes it should run ubuntu just fine :)

Oh thank god. How can I tell the difference when looking for computers online?

[NightwishFan]

Generally, just look up the processor.

[aysiu]

For the least amount of trouble, you're probably better off spending a little more for Ubuntu preinstalled from Dell, ZaReason, or System76.

[Vitamin-Carrot]

the installation should run smooth if she wants to dual boot do a google search and you find plenty of wonderful walkies with lovely little pictures that will aid you with both standard install and dual boot.

hey look at wot i finded:
http://www.fsckin.com/2007/09/28/how-to-install-gutsy-gibbon-a-21-step-guide-for-technical-support/

I can has cheeseburger nows?

[aysiu]

You can get a general sense of how well Compaq laptops are supported:
https://wiki.ubuntu.com/LaptopTestingTeam/Compaq

[tubasoldier]

A compaq? yuck. After repairing many of those I wouldn't touch one with a ten foot pole. I always highly reccomend looking at a different brand. Certainly not HP. HP = Compaq. Scott Granemen put together a sweet article about HP and their <sarcasm> amazing tech support (http://www.granneman.com/personal/journals/hpsterribleservice/index.htm)</sarcasm>.

Good luck with your Compaq. You'll need it.

[p_quarles]

Actually, I believe that the newer Pentium Dual-Core chips are 64-bits wide. That computer should work with either architecture.

I agree with aysiu, though: if you're going to buy a new laptop for the purpose of running Ubuntu on it, you're much better off getting one with a preinstalled OS.

Also, you should realize that the wireless cards that ship by default with Compaq laptops are not Intel cards. You wind up putting a lot of work into getting that working.

[tdrusk]

For the least amount of trouble, you're probably better off spending a little more for Ubuntu preinstalled from Dell, ZaReason, or System76.

That's the thing, we don't have money, but she needs a laptop for college.

I think Ubuntu will work good. If for some crazy reason it doesn't work I'll just put Windows back on.

[steveneddy]

System76.com

This is my stand on this issue also regarding a green Ubuntu user with limited technical knowledge/skills.

It just raises the bar for the user and I believe that they have a better experience this way.

I had already installed OS's before and installed Ubuntu many times when I bought a laptop from System76, preinstalled with Ubuntu, and my experience was great.

[Linuxratty]

Why not get a refurbished Linux lap lop?

A friend of mine just got a Cloudbook from here:
http://www.linux-laptop.net/
Or jusr Google Linux refurbished laptops.

[williumbillium]

It is actually possible to buy a comparable laptop preinstalled with linux for the same price.

How about a Dell Inspiron 1525? It comes preinstalled with ubuntu, has (essentially) the same spec and is the same price as the Compaq. I think, especially for a first time user, the ability to work out of the box will make the experience a lot more pleasurable, and in this case, it costs no more to do so.

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/linux_3x?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

[Sammi]

I wish System76 shipped to EU. They've got wireless N on their lappies now and hi-end Nvidia cards on their desktops. I want one of each :D

[aysiu]

It is actually possible to buy a comparable laptop preinstalled with linux for the same price.

How about a Dell Inspiron 1525? It comes preinstalled with ubuntu, has (essentially) the same spec and is the same price as the Compaq. I think, especially for a first time user, the ability to work out of the box will make the experience a lot more pleasurable, and in this case, it costs no more to do so.

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/segtopic.aspx/linux_3x?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs
Ah, good point.

Dell ($544) Jet Black
Intel® Pentium(R) Dual Core™ T2330 (1.60GHz/500Mhz FSB/1MB cache)
Ubuntu Linux version 7.10 with DVD Playback
Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator X3100
1GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
Size: 120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
CD / DVD Writer (DVD+/-RW Drive)
Intel® 3945 802.11a/g Mini-card
No Webcam Option
56Whr Lithium Ion Battery (6 cell)
High Definition Audio 2.0 Compaq Presario ($549) Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core mobile processor T2330 with 533MHz frontside bus, 1MB L2 cache and 1.6GHz processor speed
1GB DDR2 memory for multitasking power, expandable to 2GB
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with double-layer support records up to 8.5GB of data or 4 hours of video using compatible media
15.4" WXGA high-definition LCD widescreen display with BrightView technology and 1280 x 800 resolution
120GB Serial ATA hard drive (5400 rpm)
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X3100 with up to 251MB shared video memory; S-video output; built-in Altec Lansing audio
3 high-speed USB 2.0 ports for fast digital video, audio and data transfer
Built-in high-speed wireless LAN (802.11b/g); 10/100Base-T Ethernet LAN (with RJ-45 connector); high speed 56 Kbps modem
Weighs 5.7 lbs. and measures just 1.6" thin for easy portability; 6-cell lithium-ion battery and AC adapter The specs are extremely similar, the Dell one is a little cheaper, and it has guaranteed Ubuntu compatibility.

[wjlonien]

The best place for questions like these is IMHO Werner Heuser's tuxmobile.org (http://tuxmobile.org/) - maybe you want to try that one before buying a notebook.

HTH,
Wolfgang

[uberlube]

I have a Compaq Presario F500 laptop which is pretty much the same as the one shes looking into. Works great for me as I only use Linux with it, and Im pretty sure they all come with Broadcom wireless which isnt hard to set up. I got mine refurbished from the Laptop Depot for $700.

http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/uk/en/ho/WF05a/21675-38187-179483-179483-179483-12925866.html