[CLUE-Tech] Linux on rentable laptops

[Matthew D Robinson]

>Matthew D Robinson wrote:

>>I need to do software development on the road which requires
>>a screen big enough to hold three simultaneous terminals and
>>a processor \approx one and a half gigs.
>>These machines cost over $1500 and as an independent contractor
>>I can't afford it.

Nate Duehr wrote:

>The usual "solution" to this is to use a desktop manager that has 
>virtual desktops and just switch between them, revelealing your desired 
>window.  It's frustrating, but after a few jobs you'd have enough money 
>(hopefully) to purchase the big-screen laptop you need to be more 
>efficient.  Most of the popular windowmanagers have keyboard shortcuts 
>tied to virtual desktop switching so your hands never have to leave the 
>keyboard.  (I'm constantly finding myself reaching for the mouse to 
>switch screens and trying to break myself of the habit, knowing that I 
>was faster at tasks on my computers before they had windowing 
>environments available for them.)

Okay.

>Other creative options if all the applications don't need to run on the 
>same machine and you're doing non-graphical work would be to purchase a 
>VERY cheap desktop machine (or even a super small and portable mini-ITX 
>machine and tiny case) and run it headless if you just need to 
>distribute out the processor load.

This sounds really cool.  I looked into some mini-ITX info and it looks
like no one even sells barebones -- you must go component by component.
My concern is the interface.  Do you use a USB or maybe a cat-5 type
network connection between it and the laptop? How does the laptop use it?
I suppose one could use any distribution booted to run level 3. This
seems like a great option -- it's like a $200 optional component to a
laptop.

>...
>And there's always "screen" for multiple text-based "windows" without 
>leaving the same terminal.

I've heard of this, especially as I am a vi guy,
but have never been introduced to it.

>Hopefully the issue is one of speed/convenience more than it is one of 
>"absolutely can't get this done without 20"+ of physical desktop space 
>and the smallest fonts I can possibly read."  If the latter is the 
>requirement, prices just aren't low enough yet to get you below the 
>$1000 mark... but they're headed there!

I'm not sure what you mean, but I hate small fonts.  I have never been
interested in laptops, but as I work at home, they offer the possibility
to make my work place portable.  I love my desktops, and am nervous
about small keyboards, screens, and processors.  Moore's Law suggests
that portable computers should be at a level by now that I can use.

-- 
Matthew D Robinson
615 S. Grant St.
Denver, CO 80209
303-744-7291

Someone once said something.