How to get a good laptop that runs Linux?

1. 0

   Ari Lamsteinposted 13 years ago

   How to get a good laptop that runs Linux?
   
   I currently have a 3 year old entry-level MacBook.  I have started using it to VNC into my work computer, but the small monitor makes it a pain. 
   
   I would like to buy a new laptop with a bigger screen.  However, I think that MacBook Pros are too expensive.  Are there any high-end laptops that come with Linux?

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2. 59

   Reptarking17posted 13 years ago

   Linux is free buddy.  You should just download it off of the ubuntu website and burn it onto a DVD or save it on a flash drive.  Then you can just buy a regular HP or Dell laptop.  Plug the flash drive or put the DVD in the disk drive and when you start the computer open the boot menu (usually by pressing one of the 'F' keys i.e F1- F12) once you open the boot menu you just have to boot from disk or flash drive and it will install linux on your computer. 
   
   Hope this helps!
   
   http://hubpages.com/hub/5-Ways-to-Speed … r-Computer

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3. 60

   Kwazzyposted 13 years ago

   Linux brings the best out of all hardware if you know how to use it, also, a lot of programs aren't compatible with linux. Yes you can use Wine, but lately its been working a lot less with new .exe's, you can just make a boot disk on ubuntus website, its pretty sweet, you just pop it on and it runs right from the cd!

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4. 0

   Ari Lamsteinposted 13 years ago

   @reptarking17: Yes, I know that linux is free.  However, I am assuming that Dell and HP will charge for selling me a computer with Windows installed.  Since I have no intention of using the Windows software, I was wondering if they would sell it to me with Linux instead of Windows installed.  I was hoping that this would bring the cost of the unit down.
   
   Before posting this question I spent some time online chatting with a representative from Dell.  She said that she couldn't do this.
   
   I posted here hoping that someone could point me in the direction of someone who could.

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5. 60

   tinfoilposted 13 years ago

   Last year, there was this whole buzz about Amazon issuing refunds for the so-called Windows tax when customers asked for compensation when stating that they couldn't accept the Windows EULA. You could explore that route in lieu of seeking out that special somewhere that sells Linux machines.
   
   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_refund
   
   But to actually answer your question, there aren't any significantly discounted Linux laptops (or desktops, for that matter) because of both long-established economies of scale and Microsoft's sudden discounts to OEMs when they think about offering Linux machines.
   
   For those who don't know, the "economy of scale" in computer manufacture is the cheapness of the cost per unit because of the sheer production volume and ease of essentially cloning a PC configuration.

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6. 59

   KodeKaranposted 13 years ago

   You don't really get any machines with Linux preinstalled. Don't waste money on a a mac, that's for sure. A Dell, or Lenovo would do just fine. although it doesn't really matter, the OS is lighter than Windows - so if your computer can run Windows, it can run Linux.

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7. 60

   ahmizposted 13 years ago

   Dell, Lenovo, Acer and Asus used to have laptops with Linux a couple of years ago, but it looks like Windows 7 killed them.
   
   HP still sells laptops with Suse Linux, but the site doesn't make it very easy to find. Check out the link below for a list of HP laptops that you can choose to preinstall with Linux. You can choose those laptops and change the OS from Windows to Suse Linux. That typically deducts around $100 from the price.
   
   http://h71028.www7.hp.com/enterprise/ca … 0-121.html
   
   You can also try the Linux laptops from less-known brand names such as
   - System76. http://www.system76.com/
   - Emperor Linux. http://www.emperorlinux.com/
   - ThinkPenguin. http://www.thinkpenguin.com/
   - EightVirtues. http://www.eightvirtues.com/

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8. 60

   Julz09posted 13 years ago

   Why do you specifically want to use Linux? is it because it is just free? Not sure of any specific notebooks that come with linux already embedded on the systems, but it would be just as easy to download an iso image from the ubuntu website and use that in a virtual machine inside windows or a dual boot system with windows.

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9. 48

   joe1112posted 13 years ago

   Scale is a myth. The major OEMs don't make money off the laptops. They make it off the accessories, warranties, and other services. You can get a good deal on low-spec'd GNU/Linux laptop. What you can't find are the low-quality laptops you find in the Microsoft Windows world. Most of the companies selling GNU/Linux are targeting a niche market. They sell high quality high end laptops.
   
   The only company really designing laptops for GNU/Linux is ThinkPenguin. Nobody else is concerned about the chipsets other than that they half-ass "work". ThinkPenguin though is designing high quality low-spec'd systems for the mass market. Not the techy market. The prices reflect this. You can get a decent system for around $500. Given that they are higher quality than average the prices are good for the spec's.

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10. 64

    Chad Christopherposted 12 years ago

    After 15 months I assume you have probably already purchased a new laptop. I just thought I would add my experience. Ahmix suggested System76. I recently purchased one of their laptops, the Pangolin Performance. I am very happy with this. It comes pre-installed with Ubuntu 12.04 and you can configure it how you like. They look really slick and professional. I highly recommend them for a computer with Linux installed.
    
    I plan on writing a hub reviewing my laptop and experience with System76 soon.

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