What laptop should I buy?

[boohiss]

I'm going to buy myself a laptop as a graduation gift!

I used to run Ubuntu all the time at home on a desktop, but for a number of reasons I haven't used it in a couple of years. I'm very much looking forward to getting back to Linux and I want my new laptop to be Ubuntu-only (no Windows) laptop.

The question is: what laptop do I get? I've written down a loose set of specs that I'd like to see:

two-core CPU, around 2ghz
2 gig RAM
S-video out (HD component out would be cool too)
CD/DVD burner
SD card slot
Video card with its own RAM--not shared
100-160 gig HDD
802.11g wifi
Gotta be Ubuntu friendly
Typical stuff like ethernet/headphone/mic/USB
Decent battery life


I'm flexible, so it wouldn't have to match exactly. My budget is somewhere in the $500 - $1000 range, preferably on the low end. I've looked around at a lot of refurb sites, and I've got a few things in mind, but I'd love to hear ideas or recommendations from UbuntuForums, since UbuntuForums is one of the primary reasons I like the Ubuntu distro in the first place.

Thanks,

Matt

[tamoneya]

I would go with system76 or lenovo.
I have a T61 myself and love it. If you get this though it will come with windows. You try to get a refund for the OS by rejecting the EULA.

The nice thing about system76 is that they are all ubuntu laptops and it is all preinstalled ( they also dont charge a premium for opensource laptops like D*** does).
http://system76.com/index.php?cPath=28

[boohiss]

I would go with system76 or lenovo.

Good suggestions. I did look at both of those already though, and they both seem fine, but a little on the higher end of my budget. I use a Lenovo right now for work and I think it's a fine laptop.

[linux_tech]

For some reviews of laptops running Linux:

http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php/cat/507

HP (NC) or Lenovo probably overall. IBM has beeen supporting Linux for some

time, plus they are built very rugged. Priced the T61-

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:category.details?current-catalog-id=12F0696583E04D86B9B79B0FEC01C087&current-category-id=19C791A03AF24034A0011B825513BCED

Looks like a very good deal at $714-

[overdrank]

Moved :)

[evets25]

Again, I'd recommend the laptop I just bought, the Lenovo Ideapad Y510. There's a massive thread (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=870681&highlight=Y510) on these forums dedicated to it, so there's good support here. As for stuff working, there's some minor issues with the sound and webcam, but there's a very detailed how-to for these issues.

As far as specs and price goes, it sounds like its a perfect fit for you. Mine is dual core, 2.3Ghz, 2 gigs of ram, and has almost all the other features you had in your list, although I haven't tested all of them myself yet (like s-video out). The video card is the only thing that's a little acking since it's just an integrated intel card, but I can do without that. It does compiz just fine, and I have my desktop for games. Price? I bought mine for $650 CAD.

[bytor4232]

Acer Aspire's, and modern Acers in general, run Ubuntu very well. My 5315 is supported 100%, and although its a single core, it runs very fast. Compiz is running perfectly under Hardy. The Acer Aspire's on NewEgg are around $600.