[CLUE-Tech] Buying a (cheap) laptop for Linux

[Ed Hill]

On Mon, 2003-03-10 at 12:15, Weaver, Michael wrote:
> I am a Linux newbee and I want to buy a laptop which would be able to run
> Linux. I really don't care much which flavor as long as it is a fairly
> recent version and I can develop (mainly java) on it. I am considering the
> Compaq 2500 and Dell 5100 based on price and features. Both have p4s and
> both claim to use the ATI Mobility Radeon video.Radeon seems to be supported
> by XFree86. It would be wonderful if someone out there has already tried one
> or both of these systems and could let me know they work with Linux. Failing
> that, could someone please point me to a good global group where I could ask
> around. I have tried many internet searches and browsed a lot of mail and
> pages to no result. I think these systems are just too new to have been
> tried by more than a few persons.


Hi Michael,

In terms of compatibility with Linux, theres a large number of laptops
from different manufacturers that will work reasonably well.  The
biggest thing to avoid currently is probably systems built with Intel
i810-derived motherboards.  These are the systems that share memory
between the processor and the video card.  They are cheap crap and
should be avoided at all costs due to the problems that you're likely to
have trying to get X (XFree86) running on them.

I'm a big fan of IBM's ThinkPads since, in my experience, they're more
solidly built and less likely to be Linux-configuration nightmares.  If
price is your main point then you can get very good deals on brand-new
and fully warrantied machines at:  http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/ibm/


> On a tech note: This question may be to generic and unanswerable but will
> increased video memory makes a big difference for XFree86? I use X mainly
> just to run consoles, emacs, GUIs for applications and possibly a Java IDE.
> I am not a heavy graphics user or graphics developer but like everyone I
> don't like a sluggish display so I would willing pay more for a video memory
> upgrade if it makes a difference.

In general, video memory will only give you a speed boost if you're
running 3D applications (read: games) with lots of textures.  If you're
not a 3D modeler, 3D programmer, or 3D gamer then extra video memory
(beyond what it takes to drive your max resolution/depth) is wasted.

Also, theres a vast database at:

  http://linux-laptop.net/

that I'd consult before making any purchase.

Ed

-- 
Edward H. Hill III, PhD 
Post-Doctoral Researcher   |  Email:  ed at eh3.com,  ehill at mines.edu
Division of ESE            |  URLs:   http://www.eh3.com
Colorado School of Mines   |    http://cesep.mines.edu/people/hill.htm
Golden, CO  80401          |  Phones:  303-384-2094, 303-273-3483
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